BEIRUT, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and French President Emmanuel Macron held talks in Paris on Friday, focusing on supporting Lebanon's armed forces, advancing government reforms, and planning for southern Lebanon after the UN peacekeeping mission ends.
According to Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA), the leaders discussed a conference in Paris scheduled for March 5 aimed at supporting the Lebanese army and security forces. They highlighted the Lebanese army's expanded authority south of the Litani River, and reaffirmed commitment to a November 2024 ceasefire.
Salam stressed the need to stop Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty, and called for Israel's withdrawal from all remaining occupied Lebanese territories, the NNA reported.
He also reiterated his government's plan to consolidate weapons under state authority, and the importance of finding an alternative framework to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon once its mandate ends later this year, the NNA reported.
Macron voiced strong support for Lebanon's financial reforms, which could help pave the way for an International Monetary Fund agreement and a future conference in Paris to support Lebanon's recovery and reconstruction, the NNA reported.
On social platform X, Macron wrote after the meeting that France stands with Lebanon in defending its sovereignty, supporting its armed forces, and backing its reforms.
He said Paris is preparing the March conference to strengthen the Lebanese armed forces' essential role in maintaining Lebanon's stability and sovereignty. Enditem
京公网安备 11010802027341号