Caretaker Health Minister Firas Abiad welcomed French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on Sunday evening at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport, accompanied by French Ambassador Hervé Magro and a French delegation.
This visit represents a new phase in France’s ongoing commitment to support Lebanon during times of crisis.
Jean-Noël Barrot reaffirmed France’s steadfast support for Lebanon, particularly in the public health sector, which is crucial in the current context.
In this regard, France delivered 11.5 tons of humanitarian medical supplies to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health. These provisions aim to bolster stockpiles to address emergencies, especially in light of the Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory.
As part of his itinerary, Barrot will hold key meetings on Monday, September 30. He will begin the day by meeting Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rai, followed by discussions with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, and Chief of Parliament Nabih Berri.
Later in the afternoon, he will engage with the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon and the UNIFIL peacekeeping forces.
Additionally, Jean-Noël Barrot held phone conversations with his British and American counterparts, David Lammy and Antony Blinken. They emphasized the importance of efforts to de-escalate the situation in Lebanon and ensure the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
They also discussed efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and achieve the release of hostages.
On Saturday, France, through Barrot, reiterated its call for the “immediate cessation of Israeli strikes on Lebanon,” expressing opposition to any “ground operations” in the country.
