Aoun leads a series of meetings
President Joseph Aoun held a series of political, diplomatic, security and development meetings at Baabda Palace on Friday, addressing bilateral relations, domestic affairs and the management of national resources.
Former Russian Prime Minister
Aoun received former Russian Prime Minister Sergei Stepashin, heading an Orthodox Church delegation accompanied by Russian Ambassador Alexander Rudakov.
Stepashin, visiting Lebanon for the inauguration of a representative office of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society, conveyed greetings from Russian President Vladimir Putin and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow.
He praised Lebanese-Russian relations and Aoun’s commitment to representing all Lebanese citizens, regardless of religious affiliation, highlighting the two countries’ shared experience of religious and cultural diversity.
Stepashin also outlined the society’s proposed projects in Lebanon, particularly educational initiatives and support for Orthodox schools, as well as efforts to strengthen religious exchanges and pilgrimages between the two countries.
Aoun welcomed the initiatives, expressing appreciation for Russia’s role in strengthening bilateral relations and supporting Lebanon’s Orthodox community.
Diplomatic and Security Meetings
Separately, Aoun reviewed relations between Lebanon and the Holy See with Lebanese Ambassador to the Vatican Fadi Assaf.
He also received General Security Director General Major General Hassan Choucair, who briefed him on the outcomes of his visit to Saudi Arabia.
Discussions additionally covered domestic developments and the operations of the General Security Directorate.
Litani River Authority
Aoun received the newly appointed Board of Directors of the Litani River Authority, headed by Dr. Sami Alawieh, alongside members Yasser Abou Nasr, Joe Akiki, Farid Karam, Maroun Nabhan, Khaled Saad, and Naji Berri.
The delegation briefed the President on the authority’s operations, electricity generation activities and planned projects.
Alawieh reported collateral damage to the Qaraoun Dam following Israeli shelling in its vicinity, thanking Aoun for his efforts to protect the facility. He also noted that the authority had achieved financial self-sufficiency.
Congratulating the new board, Aoun described the Litani River as a national asset and a responsibility toward future generations.
He emphasized the authority’s essential role in managing one of Lebanon’s most important water resources, particularly for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation, which support agriculture and the national economy.
Aoun called for protecting the river from pollution, waste and encroachments, stressing that safeguarding water resources required coordinated efforts by state institutions and citizens.
He urged the board to strengthen governance, transparency and operational efficiency while accelerating projects that improve water and energy management.
The authority must serve as a model of productive administration that transforms national resources into services and development opportunities, placing the public interest above all other considerations, Aoun said.
Message to Algerian President
Separately, Aoun sent a congratulatory message to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on the anniversary of Algeria’s Liberation Revolution.
He praised the Algerian people’s sacrifices in their struggle for freedom, independence and dignity, describing the occasion as a source of pride and inspiration for successive Arab generations.
Aoun also reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding ties with Algeria and expanding bilateral cooperation in support of shared interests and Arab solidarity.
