US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday, after meeting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, praised "moving forward toward peace" after the latest round of talks with Israel in Rome.

The State Department said in a statement that Rubio "praised the courage of the Lebanese government, led by President Aoun, for its firm efforts to restore Lebanon's sovereignty, disarm Hezbollah and dismantle its terrorist infrastructure, and move forward toward peace."

The Secretary also reaffirmed the US commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the tripartite framework, and supporting the Lebanese government's efforts to achieve peace, economic recovery, and a better future for the Lebanese people.

On Saturday, Aoun headed to Washington at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, where he will hold meetings with a number of US officials addressing the situation in Lebanon, consolidating the ceasefire, and Israel's withdrawal from occupied Lebanese areas.

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Aoun's visit to Washington is of particular importance as the framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel, mediated by the US, moves from the signing phase to the implementation test, amid thorny issues related to Israeli withdrawal, deployment of the Lebanese army, and disarmament of non-state armed groups.

Lebanon signed on June 26 a tripartite framework agreement with the United States and Israel, following the fifth round of direct negotiations in Washington.

The agreement stipulates the implementation of preliminary arrangements in two pilot areas, including Israeli withdrawal, deployment of the Lebanese army, and disarmament of non-state armed groups.

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