Lebanese president wins Trump's heart with compliment in first-ever meeting
Joseph Aoun served as the commander of Lebanon's army before being elected president last year
US President Donald Trump and Lebanese Presidents Joseph Aoun met for the first time ever on July 20, as Trump hosted his Lebanese counterpart in the White House.
A moment from their meeting went viral on social media, prompting smiles and eliciting funny reactions form users.
In a widely circulated video of their interaction, Trump extended his hand to greet the guest, asking if he wanted to say anything.
Holding the US President’s hand, Jospeh Aoun said, “Thank you. I've been looking forward to this visit for a long time, meeting such a great president like yourself.”
“It's very nice thing,” responded Trump before turning towards the camera and jokingly adding,” See, he knows how to get to me. He knows. Now, he can have anything.”
Aoun, who served as the commander of Lebanon's army before being elected president last year, became the first Lebanese head of state in nearly 20 years to visit the White House when he met Trump face-to-face for the first time.
The meeting comes at a crucial moment for Lebanon. Israeli troops are occupying a swathe of the country's south and hundreds of thousands of Lebanese remain displaced following Israeli strikes.
Hezbollah has firmly rejected the government's direct talks with Israel as well as efforts by the state to strip it of its arms.
