Beirut: President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, on Wednesday held a series of meetings focusing on security developments and relief efforts.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, during the meetings, Canadian Ambassador Gregory Galligan conveyed Canada's close monitoring of the developments in Lebanon and acknowledged the efforts made by Aoun to address the situation and mitigate escalation. Galligan reaffirmed Ottawa's continued support for the Lebanese Army.

Aoun also met with Lebanese Red Cross Secretary-General Georges Kettaneh, who confirmed the organization's readiness to respond to the latest security developments. Kettaneh noted that the Lebanese Red Cross boasts around 12,000 volunteers nationwide, including 5,000 paramedics equipped with ambulances and medical equipment. The organization provides relief aid, shelter support, primary healthcare, psychological assistance, as well as blood units to hospitals and patients.

The president expressed his appreciation for the sacrifices made by the Lebanese Red Cross and extended condolences to Kettaneh over the killing of paramedic Youssef Assaf during shelling on the town of Majdal Zoun.

Furthermore, Aoun held a meeting with State Security Director-General Major General Edgar Lawandos, who briefed him on the agency's operations across Lebanon. The discussion focused on efforts to combat corruption and support relevant authorities in addressing hoarding and monitoring price hikes of food and essential goods.