Lebanese President Joseph Aoun traveled to Rome on Wednesday evening for official meetings expected to address issues concerning Lebanon and the region.
Aoun’s plane landed at Ciampino Military Airport near Rome. The Lebanese president was welcomed by Bruno Pasquino, head of the Italian Foreign Ministry’s Diplomatic Protocol, and Monsignor Javier Fernandez Gonzalez, head of the Protocol of the Vatican City State.
Aoun’s schedule in Rome
Aoun is expected to be received by Pope Leo XIV at 9:30 a.m. Rome time on Thursday. The Lebanese president will also meet with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin on the same day.
Friday’s schedule includes meetings with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The meetings are expected to address bilateral relations, along with various issues concerning Lebanon and the region.
Israeli attacks on Lebanon form the backdrop to the visit
Aoun’s visit to Rome comes as Israeli attacks on Lebanon continue. Violations in the region are also continuing despite the framework arrangement signed by Beirut and Tel Aviv on June 26.
The arrangement calls for Israel to withdraw gradually from Lebanese territory, the Lebanese army to be deployed in areas from which Israeli forces withdraw, and armed groups to be disarmed. The disarmament provision is understood to refer to Hezbollah.
According to Lebanese authorities, 4,348 people have been killed and 12,307 wounded in Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2. The attacks have displaced more than 1 million people and caused widespread destruction.
Israel has reportedly maintained control over some areas in southern Lebanon for a long time and over others since the 2023–2024 war. Israeli forces are said to have advanced more than 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory during the latest attacks.
