Macron to visit Lebanon amid promises of French support

French President Macron is set to visit Lebanon on Friday, both countries announced, as France seeks to renew its support to Lebanon according to RFI on January 15th.

The visit, that was prepared with French ambassador in Lebanon, will be the second official visit for newly elected President Aoun.

This comes after commander of the Lebanese army forces Joseph Aoun was elected earlier this month, when member of the parliament finally agreed after two years of vacancy at the head of the State.

Aoun has since appointed former international judge and diplomat Nawaf Salam as the new prime minister.

Macron saluted Salam’s appointment as the sign of “hope for change” in Lebanon.

His office insists on “the unwavering commitment of France to support Lebanon, its sovereignty and unity”.

France continues to play an important role in Lebanon since the former colony became independent.

As a ceasefire deal with Lebanese Hezbollah was agreed on last November, France is one of country taking part in the committee in charge of monitoring the implementation of the deal alongside Israeli, Lebanese and US delegates.

On Monday, Macron stated that he hoped Salam’s government would “represent all the diversity of the Lebanese people”.

Salam will be given the task of forming a new government and deliver much needed policy on Lebanon’s many issues, chiefly the enduring economic crisis and the application of the ceasefire agreements with Israel.

In his first discourse on Tuesday, Salam has pledge to effectively implement UN resolution 1701 and to end Israeli presence on Lebanese territory accordingly.

“The trip will also be the occasion to work on the implementation of the ceasefire… and to reiterate France’s commitment towards this within UNIFIL,” Macron’s office said on Monday.

A conference held in Paris in October to support Lebanon raised approximately $800 million in humanitarian aid.

RFI