Beirut:President Joseph Aoun has expressed his approval of Lebanon's recent agreement with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), which is set to solidify the organization's legal and institutional presence in Lebanon and broaden collaboration on migration management.

According to National news agency - Lebanon, during a meeting with ICMPD Director General Susanne Raab at Baabda Palace, President Aoun emphasized that the agreement would establish a formal framework for ICMPD's operations in Beirut. This framework will allow the organization to expand its activities and launch long-term programs in cooperation with Lebanese institutions.

President Aoun highlighted the challenges Lebanon has faced due to successive waves of displacement, particularly the Syrian influx since 2011. He stated that Lebanon's capacity to accommodate more displaced Syrians is exhausted and mentioned efforts to coordinate with Syrian authorities to facilitate their staged return following political changes in Syria.

Furthermore, President Aoun urged the international community and humanitarian organizations to redirect the aid currently provided to displaced Syrians in Lebanon to support their resettlement in Syria. He also noted the Lebanese Army and security agencies' efforts to prevent the country from being used as a transit route for irregular migration to Europe.

Director General Raab reiterated ICMPD's commitment to aiding Lebanon through technical assistance, training, and enhanced institutional cooperation. She emphasized Lebanon's strategic importance as a partner for Europe and the Mediterranean region and mentioned ongoing projects such as an integrated border management initiative and the development of a comprehensive maritime strategy for Lebanon. ICMPD, founded in 1993 and based in Vienna, collaborates with governments on issues related to migration policy, border management, and combating irregular migration.