On Friday morning, His Holiness Aram I, accompanied by the Primate of Lebanon, Bishop Shahé Panossian and the Dean of St Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias, Bishop Norayr Ashekian, met with the President-elect.

Catholicos Aram I extended the good wishes of the elected bodies of the Catholicosate of Cilicia and the people to President Aoun. He said that he hoped that General Aoun’s election will bring national unity and economic prosperity, and open a new page in international relations.

They discussed the situation in the Middle East, in particular the problems and challenges facing Christians in the region. His Holiness emphasized the urgency of strengthening Christian presence in the region. Regarding Lebanon, they agreed on the importance of organizing the Lebanese diaspora and strengthening relations between Lebanon and its diaspora.