French FM to hold talks in Syria, Iraq and Lebanon on regional challenges

France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, will pay an official visit to Syria, Iraq and Lebanon, the French Foreign Ministry announced.

On February 5, Barrot will travel to Damascus, marking his second visit to Syria since the fall of the country’s previous government, Caliber.Az reports. 

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During the visit, he is scheduled to meet Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shabani to discuss prospects for cooperation and coordination on issues of mutual interest.

Barrot will then continue to Baghdad, where talks will focus on regional stabilisation and efforts to combat the Islamic State (ISIS).

The trip will conclude in Beirut. In the Lebanese capital, Barrot will hold discussions on French support for Lebanese state institutions and preparations for an international conference on the Lebanese army and internal security forces, which is set to take place in Paris in March.

By Sabina Mammadli