French President Emmanuel Macron is set to deliver three key messages during his upcoming visit to Lebanon on Friday, focusing on the nation's sovereignty, economic reform, and preservation of unity. This marks Macron’s third trip to Lebanon since the 2020 Beirut port explosion, underscoring France’s continued engagement with Lebanon amid its ongoing political and economic crises.

Macron will arrive in Beirut with a small delegation, including Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu, special envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian, parliamentarians, and individuals with strong ties to Lebanon. His schedule includes meetings with President Joseph Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam. He will also engage with UNIFIL leaders and French and American officers overseeing the ceasefire monitoring team, with discussions centered on Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon and enhancing the Lebanese Army’s role in the region.

According to Elysee sources, France prioritizes Lebanon’s sovereignty, stressing the need to empower the state to control its borders, reclaim its territory, and implement UN Resolution 1701. Paris views the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) as central to achieving these objectives, providing them with equipment, training, and logistical support. Macron will also urge both Israel and Hezbollah to fulfill their commitments regarding Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

Sources further explained that France’s approach extends to engaging with regional actors. Barrot recently underscored the importance of respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty during talks with Syrian officials, stressing the need to prevent smuggling and ensure regional stability. These discussions align with themes raised during Mikati’s recent visit to Syria, as France seeks to address cross-border issues that threaten Lebanon’s security.

Macron’s visit will also address Hezbollah’s role in Lebanon. French officials have urged the group to transition into a purely political entity, fully integrating into Lebanon’s democratic process. They argue that Hezbollah’s diminishing military capacity, compounded by regional shifts like the weakening of the Assad regime, presents an opportunity for this transformation. Macron’s previous engagements with Hezbollah during 2020 roundtable talks emphasized the importance of disarmament and inclusion in Lebanon’s political framework. France views this shift as vital for restoring institutional functionality and preserving Lebanon’s unity.

Macron’s third key focus is Lebanon’s economic recovery. Elysee sources highlighted that France is advocating for structural reforms as the foundation for rebuilding Lebanon’s economy, starting with an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). France has made it clear that international aid will depend on Lebanon restoring global confidence through transparency, anti-corruption measures, and economic restructuring.

While French officials did not confirm plans for an international conference to support Lebanon, they indicated that France is prepared to rally global support should reforms be implemented. France continues to work closely with Saudi Arabia and the United States to develop a unified vision for Lebanon’s recovery, the sources concluded.