NNA – President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, on Wednesday held a series of meetings at Baabda Palace receiving a range of political, educational, and expatriate figures.

The President met with Minister of Education and Higher Education Rima Karami, who briefed him on developments within the ministry since assuming her post. She highlighted her priorities, including addressing learning loss, improving education quality, and supporting both pre-university and university-level educators. “We must insist on laying the foundation for long-term development, not just crisis management,” Karami stressed, adding that all ministry decisions must be rooted in legal frameworks and institutional-building.

The President also received MP Michel Murr, who discussed with him the current political climate, recent developments, and upcoming municipal and mayoral elections, particularly in Mount Lebanon.

President Aoun welcomed Dr. Elias Chami, founder and CEO of Vitex Pharmaceuticals, alongside a delegation of company executives. Registered in New South Wales, Australia, the delegation extended congratulations on Aoun’s election and presented the goals of their visit, which include sharing regulatory best practices with Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health and exploring investment partnerships with Lebanese entrepreneurs.

Dr. Anis Chami announced that the University of Balamand will honor his father, Dr. Elie Chami, by naming its new medical simulation center in Koura after him. He also revealed that Vitex is building a major pharmaceutical manufacturing hub in Australia aiming to become one of the world’s top five drug producers. The facility will create over 1,000 jobs and produce more than 30 billion doses annually for global distribution across Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, the Middle East, and the Gulf.

President Aoun expressed pride in the Lebanese diaspora, particularly in Australia, emphasizing their critical role in strengthening bilateral ties and contributing meaningfully to their host societies. “Lebanon needs you,” Aoun said, urging expatriates to continue supporting their homeland and invest in its future.

The President also met with Carla Edde following her appointment as his personal representative to the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). He shared his directives and discussed Lebanon’s priorities with the organization, wishing her success in her new role.

=========R.H.