Presidents of France, Lebanon, Syria to hold virtual trilateral meeting

By Laith Al-jnaidi and Rania Abu Shamala

DAMASCUS/ISTANBUL (AA) - French President Emmanuel Macron will meet Friday with his Lebanese counterpart Joseph Aoun and they will hold a virtual trilateral meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

The Elysee Palace outlined in a statement the program for Aoun’s visit to France, which also was published by the French Embassy in Beirut.

The statement noted that this will mark Auon’s first official working visit to France since his election in January.

It said the two presidents will discuss the major challenges facing Lebanon, particularly the restoration of its full sovereignty and prosperity.

The statement further noted that they will discuss the need for full respect of the ceasefire in southern Lebanon, including the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces.

The agenda also includes discussions on strengthening the Lebanese Armed Forces, coordination with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and France’s continued commitment, in addition to shared regional priorities.

The meeting will also serve as an opportunity to discuss the reform plan presented by Lebanese authorities and the support the international community can provide for its swift implementation, as well as the prospects of a conference announced by Macron during his visit to Beirut.​​​​​​​

The statement added that the trilateral remote meeting with President al-Sharaa will discuss shared challenges in Lebanon and Syria.