Menassa in Paris: Lebanon seeks stronger military cooperation with France, lasting ceasefire
Defense Minister Michel Menassa met in Paris with French Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans, Catherine Vautrin, as part of his official visit to France.
Talks reportedly focused on strengthening military cooperation between Lebanon and France and maintaining French support for the Lebanese Armed Forces amid ongoing challenges. Menassa expressed Lebanon’s deep appreciation for the continued support of Emmanuel Macron and the French government for Lebanon and its people, as well as France’s efforts to advance a political solution to the conflict affecting the country.
The minister also thanked France for its sustained military, logistical, humanitarian and diplomatic assistance, which has helped bolster Lebanon’s state institutions and military capabilities, support implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and reinforce state authority across Lebanese territory.
Discussions further addressed the security situation in Lebanon and the consequences of continued Israeli military operations, including civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. Menassa stressed the need for intensified international efforts to secure a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, ensure Israeli withdrawal, facilitate the return of displaced residents and support reconstruction efforts.
The two sides also reviewed the future of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon amid ongoing discussions regarding the mission’s next phase, with Menassa highlighting France’s pivotal role and expressing hope for its continued engagement.
The meeting additionally touched on the regional implications of the recent conflict involving Iran and the newly signed U.S.-Iran agreement, with both sides expressing hope that any future arrangements would take into account the interests of all concerned parties, including Lebanon and its people.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Menassa invited his French counterpart to visit Lebanon, reaffirming his commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation in support of stability in Lebanon and the wider region.
