Prime Minister Salam to Barrot: Avoiding Any Vacuum in the South is Essential

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam received French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot and Minister Delegate for Armed Forces Alice Rufo, heading a delegation, at the Grand Serail, in the presence of the French Ambassador to Lebanon Patrick Durel.

During the meeting, which was also attended by Minister of Culture Dr. Ghassan Salamé, they discussed the latest developments in Lebanon and the region. President Salam appreciated France's continued support for Lebanon, particularly its efforts towards achieving a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and establishing state authority over all its lands solely through its own forces.

He also stressed the importance of supporting the Lebanese state in the process of return, recovery, and reconstruction in the south, contributing to stabilizing residents in their land, restoring basic services, and strengthening the presence of state institutions.

The discussion covered international arrangements for the post-UNIFIL phase, where President Salam emphasized the necessity of avoiding any vacuum in the south, ensuring the continuation of an international presence that undertakes monitoring, reporting, and communication tasks under the umbrella of a United Nations Security Council resolution.

It was also confirmed the importance of continuing to support the Lebanese Army and enhancing its capabilities to enable it to fulfill its mission of extending state authority over all its territories.

Regarding economic affairs, the meeting addressed the financial and economic reform path implemented by the government, and the importance of reaching an agreement with the International Monetary Fund, contributing to restoring confidence in the Lebanese economy and supporting the recovery path.

For his part, Minister Barrot conveyed greetings from French President Emmanuel Macron, reiterating France's support for Lebanon's sovereignty and stability, its readiness to continue assisting the Lebanese state and army, contributing to shaping international arrangements for the post-UNIFIL phase, and supporting efforts for reform, recovery, and reconstruction.