Beirut, June 26 (SANA)Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability on Friday, saying it reflected the longstanding ties between Lebanon and the Gulf states.According to Lebanon’s National News Agency, Aoun welcomed the GCC’s call for the Lebanese state to exercise full sovereignty over its territory and for all weapons to remain under the authority of legitimate state institutions, in accordance with the constitution and relevant international resolutions, particularlyU.N. Security Council Resolution 1701.

Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to strengthening ties withArab countries, especially GCC member states, and expressed appreciation for their continued humanitarian and development assistance to help address the country’s economic challenges and improve living conditions.

Separately, Aoun welcomed an initiative announced byFrench President Emmanuel Macronand Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to establish an international coalition to coordinate the post-UNIFIL phase in southern Lebanon.

His remarks came a day after the GCC-U.S. ministerial meeting reaffirmed its support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, stability and territorial integrity.

In a joint statement, participants also welcomed ongoing U.S.-mediated talks between Lebanon and Israel and said full Lebanese sovereignty requires that all weapons remain under the exclusive authority of the state, calling for the disarmament of all non-state armed groups.F.J./ABD