Blinken says US to continue to 'stand with the Lebanese people'

On behalf of the United States of America, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has extended his “sincerest wishes to the people of Lebanon on their Independence Day,” which Lebanon marks on November 22 each year.

“The Lebanese people are renowned for their rich and dynamic culture, and we recognize the resilience they have exhibited the past 79 years in confronting a series of critical challenges,” Blinken said in a statement.

“The United States will continue to stand with the Lebanese people in our shared ambition for a better future,” he stressed.

The U.S. had recently sponsored a landmark agreement between Lebanon and Israel for the demarcation of their maritime border. The deal will allow Lebanon to explore for gas and oil in its waters amid a historic economic and financial crisis.