Beirut: President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, addressed a gathering of senior US officials, members of Congress, and business leaders in Washington, stating that Lebanon stands at a historic crossroads with a rare opportunity to restore state sovereignty, rebuild its institutions, and secure lasting peace. The dinner, hosted by Lebanon's ambassador to Washington, Nada Hamadeh Mouawad, marked the final evening of Aoun's official visit to the United States. According to National news agency - Lebanon, Aoun highlighted the significance of his visit as the first official visit by a Lebanese president to Washington in 17 years, emphasizing the deep-rooted friendship between Lebanon and the United States. He noted the historical ties, such as the establishment of the American University of Beirut by American missionaries in 1866, and acknowledged the contributions of Lebanese-Americans in various fields, including business, medicine, academia, and public service. During his speech, Aoun discussed Lebanon's his torical and cultural contributions, from the Phoenician alphabet to its literary and scientific achievements. He quoted Pope John Paul II, describing Lebanon as a message to humanity, and underscored the country's unique model of coexistence among its 18 religious communities. He expressed pride in serving as the only Christian head of state in the Arab world, viewing it as evidence of Lebanon's model of coexistence. Aoun also addressed Lebanon's challenges, including the refugee crisis, economic collapse, and recent conflicts, while reaffirming Lebanon's commitment to democracy. He highlighted the country's resilience despite enduring numerous crises, and stressed the importance of strong institutions like the Lebanese Armed Forces in achieving lasting peace and stability. Discussing regional dynamics, Aoun emphasized Lebanon's efforts to reclaim sovereignty and build balanced relations with Arab and international partners. He pointed to the trilateral framework brokered by Washington between Lebanon and I srael as a significant achievement and a testament to American commitment to Lebanon's stability. Addressing the issue of Hezbollah's disarmament, Aoun argued for a realistic and comprehensive strategy, citing successful precedents like Colombia's FARC and the Irish Republican Army. He stressed the need for a political process supported by economic opportunities to ensure the Lebanese state's authority and stability. In closing, Aoun expressed his desire for Lebanon to be remembered as a place where peace prevailed and thanked those present for their support. He called for continued partnership with the United States to help Lebanon achieve its goals of sovereignty and prosperity, and concluded the evening with informal discussions on Lebanon's developments and its relationship with the US.