Beirut: President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, on Tuesday received Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence Kamal Chehadeh at Baabda Palace, where they discussed progress in implementing the ministry's artificial intelligence-based strategy aimed at rebuilding trust between Lebanon and global technology companies.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, following the meeting, Chehadeh said the ministry has signed an agreement with Microsoft to support startups and provide training in artificial intelligence technologies, expressing hope that Microsoft would reopen its offices in Beirut in the near future.

For his part, Microsoft Middle East and Africa President Naim Yazbeck described the agreement as the start of a new phase of engagement with Lebanon, focusing on startup support and AI training for both the public and private sectors.