Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Thursday congratulated Lebanon’s newly elected President Joseph Aoun.

“I wish him success in leading Lebanon towards stability and progress,” Prime Minister Barzani posted on X.

Congratulations to Lebanon’s newly elected President, Joseph Aoun.

I wish him success in leading Lebanon towards stability and progress -mb.

— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) January 9, 2025

The election announcement came after a stalemate of two years. Auon had previously served as Lebanon’s army chief.

Aoun, backed by Saudi Arabia, the United States, and France, failed to secure the required 86 votes in the first round but surpassed the threshold in the second round, receiving 99 votes after gaining the support of Shi’a lawmakers.

Analysts view his election as a setback for the powerful Shi’a armed group Hezbollah and its primary backer, Iran.