The Lebanese President Joseph Aoun hosted, on Friday at Baabda Palace, his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron who had arrived earlier in Beirut.
“I hope you will bear witness to the entire world that the Lebanese people’s trust in their country and state has been restored, and that the world’s confidence in Lebanon must fully return because the true and genuine Lebanon has revived,” Aoun told Macron.
President Aoun also underlined the importance of maintaining the ceasefire deal and the Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon, underscoring the liberation of the prisoners and the reconstruction project.
President Aoun hoped that Macron “instruct Total to return to continue oil exploration operations in the offshore oil blocks.”
For his part, Macron affirmed France’s steadfast support for Lebanon, commending Aoun’s efforts in ending the political vacuum and steering Lebanon toward recovery.
“France has stood by the Lebanese people over the past years,” Macron said, highlighting his country’s commitment to Lebanon’s stability and sovereignty.
Moreover, Macron underscored the importance of Lebanon remaining immune to foreign interference, describing it as a vital condition for the continued implementation of the ceasefire.
Macron further reiterated France’s support for the Lebanese Army, particularly in their deployment in southern Lebanon.
“We will continue to support the army to ensure it can extend its presence and maintain security in the south,” Macron stated.
Additionally, the French President expressed France’s readiness to collaborate with Lebanon in demarcating its borders along the Blue Line.
Later on, House Speaker Nabih Berri and the caretaker prime minister Najib Mikati arrived at Baabda Palace, where a bilateral meeting was held between and Berri.
President Aoun also met with Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam at the Baabda Presidential Palace to tackle the cabinet formation. The two statesmen agreed on a speedy process and a preliminary lineup. Salam also stated that he informed Macron that any delay of the Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon threatens the regional stability.
Source: Al-Manar English Website
