The Foreign Secretary said:
I congratulate General Michel Aoun MP on his election as President. His election brings an end to a two and a half year presidential vacuum and opens a new chapter for the country.
I hope this breakthrough will bring renewed hope to the Lebanese people, who want to see functioning institutions which deliver security, stability and prosperity for all. I look forward to continued strong UK cooperation with Lebanon on the basis of commitment to the Baabda declaration; strengthened Lebanese institutions; and international agreements including UN Security Council Resolutions and the commitments made at the 2016 London conference.
This is a challenging time for Lebanon and above all Lebanon needs unifying leadership that works in the interest of all Lebanese. The UK remains steadfast in its commitment to Lebanon and looks forward to working with President Aoun.