Former Lebanese President Michel Aoun visited the Baabda Palace on Friday to congratulate his successor, Joseph Aoun, who was elected the previous day after a two-year vacancy in the presidency.

"We came to congratulate the president and wish him all the success in these difficult circumstances," Michel Aoun said at the palace, according to a message on his X account.

Speaking to the press upon his departure, he further emphasized that the "new phase" opening in Lebanon, following months of war between Hezbollah and Israel, and amid a severe economic crisis, requires a "comprehensive project." To achieve this, he called for "cooperation between all political parties and the people," in order to "rescue the country from crises."

"To accomplish the required reforms" and unlock financial aid from the international community and to "restore institutions," all "political forces must coordinate seriously," he insisted.

More than two years have passed between Michel Aoun's departure from Baabda on Oct. 31, 2022, and the election of Joseph Aoun.