Aoun secured 99 votes in the 128-seat parliament to win the presidency in a second round of voting on Thursday.
“A new phase in the history of Lebanon begins today,” Aoun told the chamber after he was sworn in. He pledged to be “an impartial mediator between institutions”, serve the common interest, and swiftly consult with Lebanon’s parliament on the appointment of a new Prime Minister.
The new Lebanese President pledged to end the Israeli occupation, rebuild southern Lebanon, and establish strategic partnerships with all Arab countries while pursuing a policy of neutrality.
Many world leaders congratulated the new President, and Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Al-Budaiwi assured Lebanon of the organization’s support for its sovereignty, security, and stability, as well as its armed forces.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said the election result "opened up the prospect of strengthening internal political stability in Lebanon and righting the country's complex social and economic position".
French President Emmanuel Macron, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called Joseph Aoun's victory an opportunity to bring stability and reform to Lebanon.