Macron to visit Lebanon to bolster government reforms, reconstruction efforts

On January 17, French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Lebanon for the first time since 2020, aiming to expedite the formation of a reform-driven government and advance national reconstruction efforts.

France, alongside the United States and Saudi Arabia, has played a pivotal role in addressing Lebanon's political deadlock, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

A truce brokered by Paris and Washington in November between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah has contributed to the recent appointment of a new president and prime minister in Lebanon.

Beirut, as a former French protectorate, shares deep historical ties with Paris, though the relationship has faced challenges in recent years. In 2020, Macron expended significant political effort to rally support for political and economic reforms in the aftermath of the devastating Beirut port explosion, which claimed over 200 lives and levelled entire neighbourhoods. However, those efforts ultimately fell short.

"Within three months, we have facilitated Lebanon's transition from escalation to recovery, opening a new chapter of hope," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told parliament during a discussion on France’s Middle East policy.

Barrot will accompany Macron on his visit. He added, "With public support, broad internal consensus, and international backing, the new Lebanese leadership has a unique opportunity to restore state sovereignty and rebuild the nation."

A source within the French presidency highlighted that the visit would underscore Lebanon's sovereignty, advocate for structural economic reforms to rebuild international confidence, and encourage the establishment of a unified government capable of driving change.

Ahead of the trip, Macron spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. France has been urging Riyadh to re-engage with Lebanon, a process facilitated by the appointments of Joseph Aoun as president and Nawaf Salam as prime minister. French officials expressed optimism that Saudi Arabia would provide funding and resources to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces.

The armed forces aim to bolster their presence nationwide, including assuming control of southern Lebanon under the 60-day truce plan, which envisages the withdrawal of Israeli forces by the end of January.

"Macron is seeking to regain footing on a matter he has followed closely but where his earlier efforts faced significant hurdles," commented a Lebanese diplomat.

By Aghakazim Guliyev