President of the National Dialogue Party, MP Fouad Makhzoumi, hosted a dinner reception at his residence in honor of the U.S. delegation, which included U.S. Special Envoy Ambassador Tom Barrack, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Congressman Joe Wilson, and U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson. The event was attended by a number of current and former MPs and ministers.

In his remarks, MP Makhzoumi warmly welcomed the U.S. delegation and all those in attendance, stressing that the partnership between Lebanon and the United States remains strong and enduring, even in the most difficult times.

Makhzoumi emphasized that presenting the Lebanese Army’s plan to disarm Hezbollah to the government, and restoring the state’s exclusive control over weapons, are not merely security measures, but fundamental pillars of sovereignty and state-building. He stated that Lebanon must adopt and publish a timetable for disarmament, setting out clear phases and implementation mechanisms, in consultation with its partners, foremost among them the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Makhzoumi noted that the government’s initial steps toward disarming Palestinian factions in the Burj el-Barajneh and Beddawi refugee camps demonstrate that progress is possible and that the principle of the state’s monopoly on weapons can be translated into reality. He stressed that this process must continue to encompass all Palestinian refugee camps and other militias. At the same time, he emphasized that disarmament cannot succeed in isolation from deep and serious reforms, without which there can be no trust, stability, or international support.

Makhzoumi affirmed that financial and banking reforms are essential to restoring credibility, restructuring troubled banks, and protecting depositors. He pointed out that eliminating the informal and illicit economy is necessary to dismantle sources of corruption and parallel structures of power. He reiterated that judicial reform is the cornerstone of ensuring independence, integrity, and the rule of law.

While underscoring the importance of fully demarcating Lebanon’s borders with all its neighbors, Makhzoumi stressed that advancing these reforms in parallel with disarmament would enable Lebanon to pave the way for the international assistance and investment needed for genuine reconstruction.

Makhzoumi expressed his profound gratitude to the U.S. government and all the delegations currently visiting Lebanon, stating:

“Your continued support for our country, particularly through assistance to the Lebanese Army, efforts to end the war launched by Hezbollah against the will of the Lebanese people, and investments in education and humanitarian aid, has had a profound impact on the lives of thousands of Lebanese families.”

He also thanked Senator Shaheen, Congressman Wilson, and Ambassador Barrack for their clarity, commitment, and faith in the Lebanese people. He further expressed his appreciation to Ambassador Lisa Johnson and her team for their tireless efforts in support of Lebanon’s sovereignty and recovery.

Makhzoumi concluded by stating that the meeting reaffirmed a shared vision: a sovereign, united, and democratic Lebanon that reclaims its place among nations, protects the rights of all its citizens, celebrates its diversity, and builds a future founded on stability, prosperity, and dignity, while living in peace within the region.