Pakistan, July 18 -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun departed for Washington on Saturday for talks with US President Donald Trump. The visit comes after the latest round of Lebanon-Israel negotiations concluded in Italy. Officials said discussions will focus on the ceasefire and regional security.

According to the Lebanese presidency, Aoun will meet senior US officials to discuss the situation in Lebanon, strengthening the ceasefire, and securing Israel's withdrawal from areas it still occupies in southern Lebanon. The trip marks the first visit to Washington by a Lebanese head of state since 2009.

The visit follows US-sponsored negotiations between Lebanon and Israel that began in April to achieve a lasting peace agreement after the Isr...