Raggi meets French Senate President, discusses negotiations and support for Lebanon
Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi met with French Senate President Gérard Larcher at the Senate headquarters in Paris, in the presence of France–Lebanon Friendship Group Chair Christine Lavarde and Lebanese Ambassador to France Rabih Chaar.
Discussions focused on recent diplomatic and security developments, particularly the ongoing direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, as well as the longstanding ties between Lebanon and France and Paris’ continued support for Lebanon.
Larcher reaffirmed France’s commitment to Lebanon, stressing that Lebanon’s future must not be decided in Pakistan or Iran, while also criticizing Israel’s prevention of Lebanese residents from returning to their southern villages. He emphasized the importance of consolidating the ceasefire and supporting the Lebanese Army in extending state authority across the country.
For his part, Raggi said Lebanon had entered direct negotiations out of conviction that diplomacy remains the only viable path to resolving the crisis. He also raised the issue of Syrian refugees, calling on France and the European Union to help facilitate their return and support them inside Syria.
The meeting additionally addressed future arrangements following the end of the current UNIFIL mandate, with Raggi noting that discussions with international partners are ongoing. He concluded the visit by signing the French Senate’s golden guestbook and praising the historic friendship and shared values between Lebanon and France.
