BEIRUT, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Tuesday called on U.S. President Donald Trump to help Lebanon achieve lasting peace during their talks at the White House, stressing the necessity to end hostilities between Lebanon and Israel permanently.
According to Lebanon's National News Agency, Aoun thanked Trump for his support in reaching what he described as a "historic achievement" through the recent signing of a framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel.
"The time has come for Lebanon to enjoy peace, and together we can achieve that," the Lebanese president said, adding that the final goal is "to end the state of hostility between Lebanon and Israel forever."
Aoun also highlighted the role of Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, believed to be an ally of Hezbollah, noting that Berri hails from southern Lebanon and is "making great efforts" to help end hostilities.
For his part, Trump pledged support for Lebanon, saying Washington would help the country "a lot".
He noted that Israeli forces were "in the process of withdrawing from southern Lebanon" and that his administration had plans to support the Lebanese army.
Aoun's visit comes amid ongoing U.S.-backed efforts to consolidate security arrangements in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces have been battling Hezbollah fighters for months, causing massive damage and displacement. ■
