President of the National Dialogue Party, MP Fouad Makhzoumi, received U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea at his office in downtown Beirut, in the presence of Political Adviser Carol Zouein. Ambassador Shea was accompanied by Megan Soller, the Embassy’s Political Counselor, on a farewell visit as her tenure in Lebanon draws to a close. Discussions focused on the situation in Lebanon and the region, particularly developments in Gaza and southern Lebanon.

Makhzoumi praised Ambassador Shea’s efforts and the lasting impact she has made—contributions that Lebanon will not forget—including her support for reforms, her calls for the election of a President of the Republic and the formation of an effective government, her support for maritime border demarcation, and her assistance to the Lebanese Army, helping it remain resilient amid the economic deterioration that has afflicted the Lebanese people. He also commended her efforts to promote Lebanon’s neutrality in regional and international crises. He stated that the United States is a sincere friend of Lebanon and supports the country’s recovery from its difficulties under all circumstances. He wished Ambassador Shea every success in her new responsibilities.

Makhzoumi reiterated the need to keep Lebanon out of the region’s conflicts and wars, fully implement all provisions of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, and task the Lebanese Army with protecting and securing the borders. He expressed confidence that the United States would continue its support for Lebanon, particularly its military institutions, during this critical period in the region’s history.

Makhzoumi added that the complex issues and difficult circumstances facing the Lebanese people make it imperative to elect a President of the Republic without delay and form a government capable of implementing the reforms needed to rescue the economy and put it on the right track, resume negotiations with the International Monetary Fund, and develop a comprehensive recovery plan and action program to rebuild Lebanon and revive its economy.