France will stand alongside Lebanon. Emmanuel Macron promised Friday, September 20 to the head of the Lebanese government Saad Hariri, that he received at the Elysee, the help of France in the implementation of its economic reform projects.
"France is fully committed to the implementation of the decisions we took at the Cedre Conference (Economic Conference for the Development of Lebanon through Reforms and Businesses, Ed), in Paris in April 2018", said the French head of state.
"This is to give Lebanon the means for ambitious reforms to restore its economic situation," he added. Saad Hariri, meanwhile, wanted a meeting of the strategic committee of the Cedre conference to be held in mid-November in Paris.
Tensions in the Middle East
The two men have no doubt also addressed the tensions shaking the Middle East. Especially the disputes between Iran and the United States. But also Qatar's difficult relations with Arabia and its Gulf neighbors, which have been blockading it for more than two years.
Emmanuel Macron "strongly condemned" Saturday's attacks in Saudi Arabia during an interview Tuesday with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He told him that Paris would send experts to "shed light" on these attacks perpetrated using drones, according to the Elysee.
The French president should also confirm to Saad Hariri his intention to travel to Beirut in 2020 on the occasion of the centenary of the State of Lebanon. He will also reaffirm Paris's support for the UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon (Finul), which involves some 800 French soldiers, according to the Elysée.
With AFP and Reuters