French presidential envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian has arrived in Beirut for a series of high-level meetings as Lebanon prepares for a critical presidential election session scheduled for Thursday, January 9. This visit is part of France's ongoing diplomatic efforts to support Lebanon’s political stability and help resolve the prolonged presidential vacancy.

Le Drian's meetings so far have included discussions with a range of Lebanese political figures. He met with MPs Michel Mouawad and Fouad Makhzoumi, as well as with MPs Michel Doueihy, Waddah Sadek, and Mark Daou. In addition, he held talks with MPs Elias Bou Saab, Ibrahim Kanaan, Alain Aoun, and Simon Abi Ramia. 

One of the key engagements during Le Drian's visit was with Hezbollah’s Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc, led by Mohammad Raad. According to Al-Jadeed, the latter conveyed in his meeting with Le Drian that Hezbollah will not obstruct a consensus among the Lebanese on the selection of the next president.

Le Drian’s visit is also significant in that it is happening within the context of a wider international effort to break Lebanon’s political deadlock. France has been closely coordinating with Lebanon's international partners and allies, including the countries in the Quintet, to support Lebanon’s presidential election process. The objective is clear: enable the Lebanese people to elect a new president in accordance with the principles agreed upon in Doha in July 2023.

“The election of a president is the first stage in urgently getting Lebanon’s institutions back up and running and restoring the country’s sovereignty. France encourages the deputies to reach a consensus on 9 January so that the election of a president can then enable the appointment of a strong government able to bring the Lebanese people together, address their aspirations and carry out the reforms necessary for Lebanon’s stability and security,” the French Foreign Ministry said in statement.

According to Al-Jadeed, Le Drian has expressed support for Army Commander General Joseph Aoun’s candidacy in the meetings he has held so far, in line with the unified position of the Quintet Committee.

MTV also reported that "Le Drian is carrying only one name for the presidency during his visit, that of Army Commander General Joseph Aoun."

Le Drian will also attend the voting session on January 9 at the invitation of Speaker Nabih Berri.

Adding to the diplomatic activity surrounding the presidential election, Saudi Arabia’s envoy to Lebanon, Prince Yazid bin Farhan, has also arrived in Beirut for his second visit ahead of the election session. This visit follows closely on the heels of similar diplomatic engagements by American envoys, reflecting the continued international focus on Lebanon’s political future.