The President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, received the Dutch Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, and thanked the Netherlands for its support for Lebanon and the army, considering that “the most important thing is a ceasefire and the achievement of Lebanese demands for peace.” President Aoun also presented the reality of displaced Syrians in Lebanon, and stressed that work is underway to resolve this issue in cooperation with other countries. He added: "Lebanon welcomes all types of assistance that comes from brotherly and friendly countries that would enhance security and stability throughout its territory, lead to Israel's withdrawal from the areas it occupies, return the southerners to their villages and towns, return the prisoners to their families, rebuild what was destroyed, and strengthen the spread of the Lebanese army over the entire Lebanese territory. Extending its control and ensuring the security of the Lebanese territories and citizens alone is the task of ensuring." President Aoun continued: “The negotiations in Washington aim to establish a suitable basis for a clear program that leads to the full realization of the Lebanese demands, which would prepare the way for achieving a real and lasting peace, instead of the interim settlements that prevailed previously, especially since Lebanon has begun to regain its presence and decision and is insisting on negotiating on its own behalf, and that the majority of the Lebanese support what the state is doing in order to achieve permanent stability.” For his part, the Dutch Foreign Minister stressed his country's support for Lebanon and praised President Aoun's courageous stances, stressing "the readiness to undertake any effort to help Lebanon overcome this difficult stage."