Baabda: President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, on Tuesday held a series of meetings at Baabda Palace addressing religious, social, economic, and institutional matters, underscoring the presidency’s engagement with national priorities.

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, President Aoun met with Syriac Catholic Patriarch Mar Ignatius Joseph III Younan to discuss the conditions of members of the Syriac Catholic community. The Patriarch invited the President to attend the Pontifical Mass marking the feast of Saint Ephrem the Syrian, the patron saint of the Syriac Church, scheduled for Saturday, 21 February, at St. George’s Cathedral in Khandaq al-Ghamiq-Bachoura.

The President also received a delegation from Tripoli, who briefed him on the city’s situation following a recent disaster. The delegation reported that President Aoun expressed deep concern and solidarity, noting that he is closely following the aftermath, coordinating with measures announced by the Prime Minister’s Office, and conducting contacts to mobilize assistance. They emphasized that Tripoli suffers from long-standing marginalization requiring serious treatment and appealed for urgent support given the scale of the crisis.

In a separate meeting, President Aoun received a briefing from Middle East Airlines Chairman and Director General Mohammad El Hout on the airline’s situation and future plans. The President acknowledged MEA’s role in maintaining Lebanon’s air connectivity and commended its staff for their efforts.

President Aoun also assured a delegation from the union of employees of mobile sector operating companies that workers’ rights will be safeguarded under any future framework for this vital telecommunications sector.

On the legislative front, President Aoun promulgated the 2026 State Budget Law, approved by Parliament, which was issued as Law No. 40 dated 10 February.