A meeting was held Friday at the Élysée Palace in Paris between French President Emmanuel Macron, Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Joseph Aoun.

The meeting involved discussions on the latest developments in the region and their impact on Lebanon, the Lebanese Army said in a statement.

The meeting addressed the vital role played by the Lebanese Armed Forces as a guarantor of Lebanon’s security. The French authorities reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the military institution and enhancing its capabilities to continue fulfilling its missions.

General Aoun also participated in a meeting to support the Army, which was organized by the Chief of Staff of the French Armed Forces, General Thierry Burkhard. The meeting (photo) was attended by the Chief of Defense Staff of Italy, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone.

During the meeting, the Lebanese Armed Forces Commander presented the current situation of the military institution and its various needs to continue performing its national missions amidst increasing challenges and internal and regional circumstances.

Furthermore, the participants emphasized that the Army plays an extremely important role in protecting Lebanon's security and stability. They pointed out the necessity of supporting it through various means to overcome difficulties, affirming that supporting Lebanon's sovereignty remains a priority for both France and Italy.

They also highlighted the importance of the role of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and the continued cooperation and coordination between UNIFIL and the Army within the framework of Resolution 1701. This contributes to reducing tensions in southern Lebanon during the current exceptional circumstances. (Source & Photo © Lebanese Army)