The Lebanese Embassy in Washington announced in a statement that the White House has extended an official invitation to President Joseph Aoun to visit Washington and meet with US President Donald Trump on July 21.

According to the statement, the invitation reflects the strength of the partnership between Lebanon and the United States and provides an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss issues of mutual interest, including bilateral relations, regional security, and continued US support for Lebanon's sovereignty, stability, territorial integrity, and official state institutions.

Joseph Aoun (AFP).

The statement noted that the visit follows an intensive period of diplomatic efforts led by the Lebanese Embassy in Washington, in close coordination with the Lebanese Presidency and senior US administration officials. During this period, the embassy worked to strengthen bilateral dialogue at the highest levels and facilitate the arrangements that led to this official visit.

The embassy also confirmed that it is coordinating all aspects of President Aoun's visit in close cooperation with the Lebanese Presidency, the White House, and the US Department of State to ensure the success of the bilateral meeting.

A trilateral meeting with Netanyahu?

Earlier, the Hebrew newspaper Maariv reported that President Donald Trump may seek, during his upcoming meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to promote President Joseph Aoun's visit to Washington while raising the possibility of holding a trilateral meeting involving the three leaders.

The newspaper also stated that the White House is working to link the talks with Netanyahu to a broader regional initiative involving Lebanon and Iran, as well as possible arrangements along the northern border.

In contrast, Aoun stressed that he will not meet with Netanyahu and said such a meeting is unacceptable as long as Israeli attacks against the Lebanese people continue and Lebanese territory remains subject to Israeli violations.