Lebanon's MPs have elected army chief Joseph Aoun as president after a two-year vacancy in the position, in a step towards lifting the war-battered country out of financial crisis.

Aoun’s election comes at a critical time for the crisis-stricken nation, which is grappling with political instability, economic collapse, and the aftermath of a 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said the ‘people of Lebanon can count on Ireland’s continuing support in their journey towards lasting peace and stability’.

Aoun, 61, secured 99 votes from the 128-seat parliament during a second round of voting on Thursday.

Joseph Aoun’s election fills a more than two-year-long presidential vacuum and comes at a time when the country is seeking international assistance for reconstruction

This outcome followed extensive efforts by Saudi Arabia and the United States to garner support for the new Lebanese president.

It’s had 12 failed attempts over 2 years

BEIRUT, Lebanon, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Lebanon's newly elected president, Joseph Aoun, said Thursday that "a new phase" has started for the war-ravaged country and pledged to rebuild the state, adopt a policy of "positive neutrality" and fight corruption.