BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanon’s new president and former army commander Joseph Aoun has maintained a low profile. Those who know him say he is no-nonsense, kind and averse to affiliating himself with any party or even expressing a political opinion — a rarity for someone in Lebanon’s fractured, transactional political system.

Former President Michel Aoun visited Baabda Palace on Friday to meet with newly elected President Joseph Aoun. After the meeting, Michel Aoun said, “It is only natural to come and congratulate him, wishing him success during this challenging period.

The Lebanese parliament elected armed forces commander Joseph Aoun as the country's new president on Thursday in a second round of voting. Aoun received 99 votes in a second vote from the 128-member parliament.