The President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, praised the stance issued by the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council for Lebanon and its people in facing the current challenges, which reflects the depth of the fraternal and historical ties that unite Lebanon with the GCC countries. President Aoun appreciated the GCC countries’ emphasis on the importance of preserving Lebanon’s security, stability and territorial integrity, and their keenness to support the path of reforms and strengthen state institutions, in a way that meets the aspirations of the Lebanese for a strong, capable and just state. He expressed his appreciation for the call of the Council countries to extend the sovereignty of the Lebanese state over its entire territory, and to restrict weapons to the hands of legitimate institutions, in line with the Lebanese constitution and relevant international resolutions, most notably UN Security Council Resolution No. 1701, and the decisions issued by the Lebanese government in this regard. President Aoun expressed deep gratitude for the willingness of the Arab Gulf countries to continue supporting Lebanon humanitarianly and developmentally, in a way that contributes to alleviating the economic burdens and improving the living conditions of the Lebanese people, stressing that Lebanon will remain keen on the best relations with the sisterly Arab countries, especially the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and to develop them in various fields, in a way that serves common interests and enhances stability in the region.