United States Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Saturday during her second official visit to the country since taking office. The meeting took place at the presidential palace in Baabda and centered on key issues including border tensions and the implementation of economic and financial reforms.

The Lebanese presidency confirmed that the discussions addressed border disputes with both Israel and Syria, as well as the urgent need for structural reforms aimed at reducing corruption within the Lebanese government. Ortagus’s engagement is seen as part of broader U.S. efforts to stabilize the region and encourage governance improvements.

Following her meeting with President Aoun, Ortagus also held discussions with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. The back-to-back meetings highlight the importance the U.S. administration places on political engagement with all branches of the Lebanese government.

Ortagus’s visit comes at a delicate time for Lebanon, which is experiencing renewed tensions with neighboring Israel. While a ceasefire was brokered with Hezbollah in November, recent developments have strained relations once again, raising concerns over regional stability.

The envoy’s push for reforms underscores Washington’s continued insistence on accountability and transparency as prerequisites for further international support. Observers believe that Ortagus’s diplomatic mission signals a renewed commitment by the United States to play a proactive role in resolving long-standing issues in Lebanon and the broader Middle East.

Her efforts to encourage cooperation and reform among Lebanon’s top political figures reflect the Biden administration’s policy of reinforcing democratic institutions and curbing external influence in the region. As Lebanon continues to grapple with economic hardship, the success of these discussions may shape future U.S.-Lebanon relations.