Beirut, Lebanon — June 5, 2025: A 20-person delegation, led by Advisor to the President for Human Rights and Religious Dialogue Habib Ephrem, met with His Excellency President Joseph Aoun at the Presidential Palace in Ba’abda on June 5, 2025 to discuss the importance of Lebanon as a model for co-existence.

Aoun welcomed delegates saying that they can count on Lebanon always being their home. He explained that Lebanon takes its state responsibility to protect all communities very seriously.

In his opening address, Ephrem, who is also the President of the Beirut-based Syriac League, said, “Wherever we are, we are patriots, forged from stone, belonging to a civilization of life and identity, rooted in respect for all nationalities, all ethnicities, all religions, and all sects.”

The delegation included members of parliament from Syria and Iraq, faith-based civil society leaders, philanthropists, and journalists. The Zovighian Public Office was represented by founder Lynn Zovighian.

Photo by © Ba’abda Presidential Palace

His Excellency President Joseph Aoun and Lynn Zovighian, founder of the Zovighian Public Office (ZPO) at the Presidential Palace in Ba’abda, Lebanon.

“The President of the Republic has the important responsibility of protecting Lebanon’s identity and history as a safe haven for communities,” explained Zovighian. “Lebanon is at a historic juncture where it can build newfound leadership regionally and globally on international religious freedom.”

The visit followed the celebration of the 50-year jubilee symposium of the Syriac League, which welcomed almost 50 delegates from around the world.

Lebanon is at a historic juncture where it can build newfound leadership regionally and globally on international religious freedom.

- Lynn Zovighian — Founder, Zovighian Public Office

Photo by © Ba’abda Presidential Palace

His Excellency President Joseph Aoun hosts international religious freedom advocates, including ZPO Founder Lynn Zovighian (seated left), at the Presidential Palace in Ba’abda, Lebanon. 

Wherever we are, we are patriots, forged from stone, belonging to a civilization of life and identity, rooted in respect for all nationalities, all ethnicities, all religions, and all sects.

- Habib Ephrem — President, Beirut-based Syriac League

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About the Zovighian Public Office

The Zovighian Public Office (ZPO) was established in 2015 to serve communities facing crises and crimes of atrocity. We are dedicated to amplifying their voices through research, advocacy, and diplomacy. We are deeply committed to the empowerment of Lebanese communities, grassroots institutions, and cultural and civil society leaders.

www.zovighian.org