09/01/2025 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday, 9 January, High Representative of the Union Kaja Kallas and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Joseph Aoun on being elected president of Lebanon, which they described as “a moment of hope”. “We look forward to the swift formation of a government, able to take forward a reform-oriented agenda,” explained Ms Kallas on X. Mrs von der Leyen likewise posted on X that she considered it to be a “moment of hope for the Lebanese, who were able to come together to find a way forward and build a better future”, stating, “The path is now open for stability and reforms.” Lebanese MPs elected Joseph Aoun, the head of the Lebanese army and a Maronite Christian, to the presidency by 99 votes out of 128—the post having been vacant for two years (see EUROPE 13045/32). (CG)