Raggi, Francophonie Chief discuss support for Lebanon, high seas biodiversity treaty
Foreign Affairs Minister Youssef Raggi met Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie Louise Mushikiwabo to discuss developments in Lebanon and cooperation between the organization and the Lebanese state.
Mushikiwabo asked about Lebanon’s situation, areas where the organization could provide support and the scope of its Beirut mission, describing Lebanon as a country close to the organization and expressing interest in identifying the most effective ways to assist it.
Raggi outlined what he described as the difficult circumstances facing Lebanon, citing Israeli attacks and Hezbollah’s refusal to relinquish its weapons. He said Lebanon remained committed to negotiations aimed at securing an Israeli withdrawal and enabling residents to return to their villages.
He also called on the organization to promote the French language and support Lebanese educational institutions that teach it, stressing their role in strengthening Lebanon’s cultural and educational ties with the Francophone world.
The two sides also discussed the upcoming Francophonie summit in Cambodia, with Raggi announcing that Lebanon would participate at a high level.
Separately in New York, Raggi deposited Lebanon’s instrument of ratification of the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction, known as the BBNJ Agreement, making Lebanon the 101st party to the treaty, which aims to strengthen ocean governance and protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
