Joseph Khalil Aoun is a Lebanese politician who became the 14th President of Lebanon on 9 January 2025. He is also a general who was made the 14th Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces in 2017. After being the President, all eyes are also focused on Joseph’s wife, the first lady of Lebanon. Find out more about the newly appointed president and the first lady.
Presidency Of Lebanon
Aoun was elected as the President of Lebanon after the second round of elections on 9 January 2025. Joseph has been an excellent general who has been successful with every task he has been handed. During the inaugural election of his Presidency, he promised to solve many problems that the country is fighting with at the moment. This includes the fight against drug trafficking, mafias, poverty, the judiciary system, and more. Joseph also stated:
The Lebanese state – I repeat the Lebanese state – will get rid of the Israeli occupation.
Joseph Aoun Wife
Neemat Aoun is the wife of the newly elected President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun. The First Lady of Lebanon has great responsibility on her shoulders. Lebanon is currently going through a lot of issues that need to be dealt with.
Taking the role of the First Lady, Neemat is expected to be more active on social and humanitarian platforms. She is also tasked with completing community activities and supporting the cause of the people. Back in an interview with the Lebanese Army magazine, she openly expressed her support and full commitment to the cause of her husband. Neemat has always been a huge backbone of strength for her husband. She has stated:
My husband chose to sacrifice for the country, and I chose to sacrifice alongside him.
Background Of Neemat Aoun
The First Lady of Lebanon, Neemat comes from a very humble family. She belongs to the Chiyah area of the southern suburbs of Beirut. Her father is Elias Nehme, who was a teacher of mathematics and schooled many children. Her mother was Jamal, who was a housewife and was mainly responsible for the upbringing of Neemat.
Neemt Aoun married Joseph Aoun many years ago. The specific date of the marriage is not available as the couple maintains a very private life in this regard. They have two children altogether named Khalil and Nour. The couple are also grandparents to their granddaughter who is also named Neemat.
Joseph Aoun’s wife has a background in laboratory sciences. She has also worked for many years in hospitality services. Neemat was the serving Director of the Hospitality Services Department at the Lebanese American University (LAU) till 2016.
Now, after taking the role of the First Lady, Neemat will play a significant role by representing the Lebanese culture and tradition on formal platforms. She will be expected to continue the legacy of her predecessors as all the First Lady are expected to promote more social and humanitarian services.
Political Career Of Joseph Aoun
The presidential candidacy for Aoun was raised by the leader of the Lebanese forces Samir Geagea back in July 2022. He claimed that Joseph has the leadership skills required to be the President and he can be the most suitable candidate for Michel Aoun. During an official visit by Qatar representatives, Joseph received support from Qatar for being the President.
Qatar even promised to give financial and military support to Joseph Aoun if he became the President of Lebanon. This was followed by immense support from the United States of America as well.
At the end of the year 2022, a Doha envoy made a five-nation group. This included Saudi Arabia, the United States, Egypt, and France. The sole purpose of this group was to hold talks between the politicians of Lebanon and resolve the issue of Presidential vacancy.
A lot of countries favored Joseph Aoun to become the President. Many nations promised to provide their support if Joseph were to become the new President of Lebanon. A Democratic Gathering Bloc. Was formed which was officially announced by Walid Jumblatt that elected him. On 9 January, the opposition groups issued a joint statement in support of Aoun. This group included Renewal Bloc, Lebanese Forces, and Katae party.
Honors & Medals Of Joseph Aoun
- War Medal: Three times Recipient
- Medal of the Wounded: Two times recipient
- Medal of National Unity
- Medal of the “Dawn of the South”
- Military Valour Medal, Silver
- Member 1st Class of the Order of Merit: Promoted from 3rd class and then promoted from 2nd class.
- Officer of the National Order of the Cedar: Granted the award for Knight of the Order
