Visit of Lebanon President Joseph Aoun to Türkiye (2026)

This is the official visit of Lebanese President Joseph Avn to Türkiye on 30 July 2026. The visit marks the first head-of-state-level visit from Lebanon to Türkiye in 17 years. During the visit, a private meeting was held between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President Avn, followed by a joint press conference.

^{President Erdoğan welcomes Lebanese President Aoun in an official ceremony, 30 July 2026 – (Anadolu Agency)}

Prior to his official visit to Türkiye, Lebanese President Joseph Avn made a statement to an Anadolu Agency reporter in Beirut on 29 July 2026. Emphasizing the deep-rooted ties between the two countries, Avn assessed that “Lebanon-Türkiye relations possess strong potential to move to a higher level of cooperation.” Avn noted that Türkiye is currently a major regional power and stated: “Coordination with Türkiye is not a temporary preference for Lebanon but a strategic necessity.”

Regarding Türkiye’s possible role in implementing the framework agreement signed with Israel in June, Avn highlighted that Ankara, due to its NATO membership and broad regional relations, could play a significant role in securing international support for the agreement and encouraging all parties to fully comply with its terms. Avn continued: “Türkiye can contribute to the success of the framework agreement, especially following the negotiation rounds in Washington and Rome. This is because the agreement’s implementation on the ground requires extensive regional and international support.”

Avn stated that Lebanon considers the agreement signed in Washington binding, but emphasized that its success depends on certain “clear guarantees.” He identified these guarantees as: the simultaneous withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Lebanese territory and the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces; the complete cessation of violations and attacks; and the establishment of an effective international mechanism to monitor whether both sides fulfill their obligations. Avn called on Türkiye to provide political and diplomatic support to this process, noting that such support would prevent the incomplete implementation of the framework agreement, strengthen Lebanon’s efforts to secure Israel’s withdrawal, and contribute to international initiatives aimed at preventing a security vacuum in the south.

^{President Erdoğan welcomes Lebanese President Aoun in an official ceremony, 30 July 2026 – (Anadolu Agency)}

On Türkiye’s potential contribution to Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability, Avn said: “Ankara, as an effective regional power with real instruments of influence, can support the Lebanese state and its legitimate institutions, particularly the armed forces, to help extend state authority across the entire national territory.” Avn added that Türkiye could also assist in monitoring Lebanon’s eastern and northern borders and preventing arms smuggling and other illegal cross-border movements threatening national security. President Avn further stated: “We do not ask Türkiye to replace the Lebanese state. Rather, we seek a supportive and complementary role that aligns with our efforts to consolidate stability after years of conflict and to ensure that weapons are exclusively under the control of legitimate authorities.” He noted that Lebanon aims to enhance cooperation with Türkiye in supporting state institutions, particularly the armed forces, and in the areas of border security and combating arms smuggling. Avn also drew attention to Türkiye’s important role in the coming period in political, economic, and security fields, emphasizing the importance of strengthening coordination between the two friendly countries.

Regarding Lebanon’s recovery from its economic crises, Avn said: “Lebanon trusts Türkiye’s capacity to contribute to its economic recovery through investment, trade, and reconstruction.” He emphasized that this could be achieved by encouraging Turkish companies to make direct investments in Lebanon’s production sectors, activating existing trade agreements, removing logistical barriers in goods trade, alleviating the burden on the Lebanese economy, and leveraging Türkiye’s extensive experience in reconstruction.

On military cooperation between the two countries, Avn stated that the Lebanese Armed Forces require multifaceted support to strengthen their deployment across the country and establish state authority. He indicated that discussions would be held with Türkiye to expand existing military assistance and training programs, adding: “The Lebanese Armed Forces are undergoing an existential test in establishing state authority nationwide. This requires modern equipment and logistics support, specialized training, and especially the ability to deploy effectively in sensitive areas in the south. This deployment must occur simultaneously with Israel’s full and coordinated withdrawal.” Avn emphasized: “Ankara has previously demonstrated its readiness to contribute to strengthening our forces. At the same time, we specifically stress that any support from Türkiye must be additional to, and not replace, existing U.S. and international support.”

^{President Erdoğan welcomes Lebanese President Aoun in an official ceremony, 30 July 2026 – (Anadolu Agency)}

Regarding the possibility of Türkiye participating in a potential international force to replace the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), whose mandate expires at year-end, Avn said: “This issue is still under discussion. Various proposals exist, ranging from a European force led by France and Italy to Türkiye’s participation under NATO support, as well as other proposals involving Arab and Islamic countries.” Avn continued: “From our perspective, the priority is to ensure that no security vacuum emerges after UNIFIL’s mandate ends. Every proposal regarding an alternative force, including Türkiye’s potential participation, will be evaluated against a single criterion: how much it contributes to enabling the Lebanese Armed Forces to establish authority nationwide and to ensure stability in the south.”

Avn stated: “Lebanon is not considering excluding any serious partner in this process.” He emphasized that the final decision will depend on broader international consensus and, above all, on serving Lebanon’s sovereignty. Avn also noted: “Türkiye has contributed to peacekeeping efforts in the south through its naval component within UNIFIL. This contribution, coordinated with Lebanon’s naval forces, has effectively monitored maritime traffic to Lebanon over the years.”

In response to the question of how Hezbollah’s rejection of any negotiation process with Israel affects Lebanon’s efforts to finalize the ceasefire agreement and address unresolved issues, Avn replied: “The scale of this challenge cannot be underestimated. For any negotiation or implementation process to succeed on the ground, at least a minimum level of internal consensus is required.”

Avn emphasized that the Lebanese Presidency and government are the only constitutionally authorized bodies to make decisions on sovereignty, security, and foreign relations. He noted that the successful implementation of the ceasefire and the resolution of unresolved issues—particularly the concentration of weapons under state control—require a phased approach and continuous internal dialogue, which must be conducted in a conflict-free environment.

Regarding claims that Syria could play a role in disarming Hezbollah, Avn recalled that the Damascus regime has repeatedly denied such claims and affirmed that this matter falls entirely within Lebanon’s sovereign jurisdiction. Avn stated: “The decision to concentrate weapons exclusively under the control of the Lebanese state is entirely a sovereign decision of Lebanon. This decision is made through internal dialogue under the protection of the Presidency and legitimate state institutions. There is no room for mediation or intervention by Syria or any other external party on this issue.” Avn noted that Syria has repeatedly stated at the highest level that it has no intention of military interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs. He affirmed that Syria’s support is limited to the principle that the decision on weapons and war and peace must remain under the authority of the Lebanese state, a principle fully aligned with Lebanon’s understanding of sovereignty.

Avn also stated that during his meetings with Syrian President Ahmad Shahar, he emphasized that coordination between the two countries must be conducted at the political leadership level, based on mutual respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs. He concluded: “Any statements or assessments attributing a broader role to Syria are merely media interpretations and do not reflect any official negotiation process or official stance. We always pay careful attention to avoiding any misunderstandings on this sensitive issue.”

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan formally welcomed Lebanese President Joseph Avn at the Presidential Complex in Ankara on 30 July 2026. Cavalry units greeted Avn’s vehicle on the avenue in front of the Presidential Complex and accompanied it to the protocol entrance. President Erdoğan met Avn at the main entrance of the complex. After both leaders took their positions on the ceremonial ground, the military band played the national anthems of both countries.

^{President Erdoğan welcomes Lebanese President Aoun in an official ceremony, 30 July 2026 – (Anadolu Agency)}

The ceremony included representations of the 16 Turkish states in history through their flags and soldiers, and a 21-gun salute was fired. Joseph Avn greeted the Presidential Guard Regiment with the words “Hello soldier.” The two leaders exchanged presentations of their delegations. President Erdoğan and Avn shook hands in front of the Turkish and Lebanese flags on the staircase and posed for the press. Subsequently, Erdoğan and Avn held their bilateral talks, followed by a joint press conference.

Also present at the ceremony were Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, Chief of the Presidential Secretariat Hakkı Susmaz, Chairman of the Türkiye-Lebanon Friendship Group in the Grand National Assembly Mehmet Sait Yaz, Head of the Presidential Communication Directorate Burhanettin Duran, Director of the Presidential Private Office Hasan Doğan, Chief Advisor on Foreign Policy and Security to the President Akif Çağatay Kılıç, and Türkiye’s Ambassador to Beirut Murat Lütem, as well as Ankara Governor Yakup Canbolat.

^{President Erdoğan welcomes Lebanese President Aoun in an official ceremony, 30 July 2026 – (Anadolu Agency)}

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the joint press conference held at the Presidential Complex following his private meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Avn.

Erdoğan expressed great pleasure at hosting Lebanese President Avn in Türkiye and thanked him for the visit, noting it was the first head-of-state-level visit from Lebanon to Türkiye in 17 years. Erdoğan noted that Avn is also a highly experienced military officer and viewed his election as President earlier this year as highly significant for ensuring security in Lebanon. President Erdoğan wished Avn success in his endeavors.

^{Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan ile Lübnan Cumhurbaşkanı Avn ortak basın toplantısı düzenliyor, 30 Temmuz 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Erdoğan recalled welcoming Lebanese Prime Minister Nevvaf Selam in Istanbul on 10 July and said that during that meeting, both countries reviewed their bilateral relations. He added: “Today, with President Avn, we specifically addressed regional developments in light of Israel’s ongoing occupation in southern Lebanon. We continue to provide strong support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as a trusted and brotherly country with whom we have strong ties.” Erdoğan pointed out that Lebanon has long been the country suffering the greatest damage in the region due to competition and conflict among certain powers, and that among the nations that stand to benefit most from the stability, peace, and cooperation long sought in the Middle East, Lebanon is at the top.

Erdoğan drew attention to Türkiye’s close monitoring of Avn’s recent diplomatic initiatives and continued: “We have assessed how Türkiye can contribute to these efforts. We have examined opportunities to further develop our bilateral relations in various fields. In this regard, we will continue our support to enhance Lebanon’s institutional capacity. We will continue our humanitarian and technical assistance to Lebanon. We also believe that the growing dialogue between Lebanon and Syria will benefit both countries. We are ready to provide the necessary contribution to strengthen relations between these two countries with a difficult past. The completion of the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon will constitute a significant development. Türkiye intends to participate in all initiatives launched to ensure security and uphold Lebanon’s sovereignty after the current international force withdraws. Of course, our support for the Lebanese Armed Forces in the security context will also continue.”

^{Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan ile Lübnan Cumhurbaşkanı Avn ortak basın toplantısı düzenliyor, 30 Temmuz 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Since the start of Israel’s attacks on Lebanon on 2 March 2026, Erdoğan highlighted that more than 4,300 Lebanese have lost their lives, over 2,000 have been wounded, and one million have been forced to abandon their homes and livelihoods. He stated: “Once again, on behalf of the Lebanese people, I extend my condolences to President Avn and wish a swift recovery to the wounded. Türkiye has been among the countries showing the strongest response to these attacks from day one. We have consistently kept Israel’s crimes against humanity on the agenda. We are closely monitoring all diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending these attacks and occupation. I wish to affirm that Türkiye stands ready to provide all possible support for the reconstruction of southern Lebanon, which has been severely affected by Israeli attacks.”

Avn affirmed the deep-rooted ties between Türkiye and Lebanon and stated: “At the same time, there is a shared will for cooperation that benefits the people of both countries and contributes to regional stability.” Avn thanked President Erdoğan for the warm reception, hospitality, and invitation.

Avn emphasized that this visit is taking place at a “truly critical moment” and noted that the region has become a place where the future is being shaped. He underscored that “the brotherhood between Türkiye and Lebanon is of great importance and will play a major role in building this future,” adding: “President Erdoğan, with his vision and steadfast determination, is actively supporting these relations and is determined to elevate them to a new level of cooperation.”

^{Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan ile Lübnan Cumhurbaşkanı Avn ortak basın toplantısı düzenliyor, 30 Temmuz 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Avn recounted that his country has endured great hardship for many years and reminded the audience of the heavy losses Lebanon has suffered due to Israel’s attacks. He stressed that families have been torn from their homes and that Lebanon has been devastated, yet the Lebanese people have refused to surrender. Avn stated that Lebanon is working to uphold its sovereignty, rebuild, and secure a stable future despite these challenges: “We are fighting to realize this goal—to ensure Israel’s complete withdrawal from Lebanese territory, the return of displaced people to their homes, the reconstruction of infrastructure, and the revitalization of the economy. We are also working to restore legitimate authority, reclaim every inch of our land, and achieve this under a single state, a single army, and a single authority.” Avn drew attention to the fact that Lebanon is pursuing this without compromising its national honor, emphasizing: “We will not allow anyone to interfere with our sovereignty.”

Lebanese President Avn emphasized the deep-rooted ties between Ankara and Beirut. Referencing the words of the Republic’s founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk: “Peace at Home, Peace in the World,” Avn noted that this principle has not lost its relevance and has in fact gained greater importance today. He stated: “Peace within can only be established through a strong state, strong institutions, a strong economy, justice, and independence. Peace in our surroundings and in the world can only be achieved today by respecting the sovereignty of nations, respecting peoples’ right to determine their own futures, and by utilizing their own natural resources. Common relations must be conducted constructively within a common framework.”

^{Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan ile Lübnan Cumhurbaşkanı Avn ortak basın toplantısı düzenliyor, 30 Temmuz 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Avn noted that he is the third Lebanese President to visit Türkiye in the last 70 years and emphasized the importance of this visit, stating that the relations between the two countries deserve to go further. He underscored the importance of Lebanon’s stability for regional stability, saying: “My visit will mark the beginning of a new era in Lebanon-Türkiye relations. Partnership, mutual trust, and joint work are of paramount importance.” Avn thanked the Turkish government, leadership, and people for standing by Lebanon during its most difficult times and recalled Türkiye’s support following the Beirut Port explosion in 2020.

Avn thanked Türkiye for its support and stated: “Türkiye’s role within the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is extremely important. We will never forget this support and we greatly appreciate it.” Avn thanked President Erdoğan for his warm hospitality and dialogue, reiterating that he views this visit as a new beginning for Lebanon-Türkiye relations. On Lebanon-Türkiye relations, he said: “We will take our relations further in a manner worthy of the history of both nations. Long live Lebanon-Türkiye friendship.”