NNA - President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, on Monday received at Baabda palace a delegation of the Lebanese Basketball Federation, headed by the Federation President Akram Halabi.

Discussions reportedly touched on the conditions of the federation, clubs, and basketball in Lebanon, and the challenges this sector faces.

At the beginning of the meeting, Halabi congratulated the President of the Republic on his election, hoping that "his tenure will bring salvation to Lebanon."

The delegation also presented a number of demands that would protect and support the basketball sector in Lebanon, to enable it to achieve further accomplishments at the national, Arab and international levels.

President Aoun told the delegation: “Your victories have made Lebanon’s presence on the international stage a source of pride, and I am committed to supporting you in order to raise the standard of sports and protect this sector.”

Aoun added: "Our goal and mission is to build a new Lebanon and build a state of institutions as quickly as possible, and we have enough competencies to rebuild the country." He called for everyone's participation in building the state.

Separately, Aoun received at Baabda palace, the President of the University of Balamand, Dr. Elias Warrak, with an accompanying delegation from the University.

Aoun stressed before the delegation: “We will strive to ensure that university graduates remain in Lebanon instead of emigrating, so that they can serve their country and contribute to its development and advancement through their capabilities in various fields.”

"This matter requires everyone's solidarity," President Aoun told the delegation, indicating that "the most important sustainable wealth in Lebanon is its human and intellectual wealth, capable of excelling globally in various fields."

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