Lebanon – Meeting between Jean-Yves Le Drian and his Lebanese counterpart (Paris, Feb. 28)

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Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, received Nassif Hitti, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of the Republic of Lebanon, today.

The minister reaffirmed the strong ties of friendship between France and Lebanon and France’s commitment to the Lebanese people in the context of the challenging circumstances facing the country.

During this initial meeting, he reaffirmed that, three months after the holding of the meeting of the International Support Group for Lebanon (ISG), the Lebanese authorities needed to take action to address the challenges facing Lebanon, with the common interest of the Lebanese people as their sole concern.

He underscored the urgent need to take a range of economic, social and political measures to respond to the aspirations expressed by the Lebanese people since October 17. Jean-Yves Le Drian underlined that it was up to the Lebanese authorities to implement a credible plan to allow the country to resolve the crisis. This is the basis on which France stands ready, together with its partners, to support Lebanon.

The minister reiterated France’s commitment to maintaining Lebanon’s disassociation from regional crises, a prerequisite for ensuring the stability of the country and the region. He reaffirmed that France, today and in all circumstances, stands alongside the Lebanese people.