Beirut: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with US Deputy Middle East Envoy Morgan Ortagus to deliberate on the ongoing situation in southern Lebanon, the Israeli withdrawal from the area, and developments along the border with Syria. The meeting took place at the presidential palace in Baabda, Beirut, as part of Ortagus's visit, which began on Friday and included discussions with various Lebanese officials.

According to Anadolu Agency, the discussions between President Aoun and Ortagus focused on the situation in southern Lebanon, the work of the international monitoring committee, and Israel's withdrawal from regions under its control. The talks also covered the security situation along the Lebanese-Syrian border and the coordination efforts between Lebanon and Syria. In addition to border issues, the discussions extended to financial and economic reforms in Lebanon, as well as government efforts to combat corruption.

Later, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam held a meeting with Ortagus to discuss developments in southern Lebanon, including the completion of the Israeli withdrawal. The talks addressed measures taken by the Lebanese army to implement UN Resolution 1701 and the security arrangements to halt hostilities. They also emphasized the need for full control of the Lebanese-Syrian border, the prevention of tensions, and efforts to stop all forms of smuggling.

Tensions have risen along the Lebanese-Syrian border following accusations by Syria's Defense Ministry that Hezbollah was involved in the kidnapping and killing of three Syrian soldiers in mid-March. Hezbollah has denied these allegations. A fragile ceasefire has been in place in Lebanon since November, ending months of cross-border warfare between Israel and Hezbollah, which escalated into a full-scale conflict last September. Under the ceasefire deal, Israel was supposed to withdraw fully from southern Lebanon by January 26, but the deadline was extended to February 18. Israel still maintains a military presence at five border outposts.