In his speech to parliament, Aoun said, "Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in Lebanon's history," pledging to exercise the president's powers as "a fair arbiter among political parties."

Aoun stated his commitment to "ending the Israeli occupation and rebuilding southern Lebanon" and vowed to reinforce the state's exclusive right of " monopoly on arms."

The new president-elect stressed his respect for the "separation of powers" while affirming his right to reject decrees that do not serve the public interest.

Aoun, who turns 61 on Friday, would call for "quick parliamentary consultations" on naming a new prime minister.

He clarified that he would reject the forced displacement of Palestinians to preserve their right of return and would establish strategic partnerships with all Arab countries while pursuing a policy of positive neutrality.

Regarding relations with Syria, Aoun said: "We have an opportunity to establish good relations with the Syrian state."

Supporters erupted in celebration in his home village of Aishiyeh in south Lebanon, where residents had gathered from the morning in front of the church which was adorned with Lebanese flags and his portrait, an AFP reporter said.

"The president is Joseph Aoun," Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said after 99 lawmakers out of 128 backed his candidacy.

In Thursday's first round of voting, Aoun received 71 out of 128 votes but fell short of the two-thirds majority needed to win outright.

Of the rest, 37 lawmakers cast blank ballots and 14 voted for “sovereignty and the constitution.”

Aoun faces the daunting tasks of overseeing a ceasefire with Israel and naming a prime minister to lead reforms demanded by international creditors to save the country from the worst economic crisis in its history.

Aoun is Lebanon's fifth army commander to become president and the fourth in a row.