Lebanese President Joseph Aoun says that direct negotiations with Israel are “crucial”, a day after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between the two countries and an upcoming meeting between their leaders, AFP reports.

“Direct negotiations are crucial… and a ceasefire is the gateway to proceeding with negotiations,” Aoun says in a statement shared by the presidency, reiterating that Beirut’s goal was to “consolidate a ceasefire, secure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the occupied southern territories, recover prisoners, and address outstanding border disputes”.