French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot kicked off his official visit to Lebanon with a meeting with Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rahi at Bkerke, with talks featuring high on Lebanon’s ongoing political and security challenges.

The meeting was attended by French Ambassador to Lebanon Hervé Magro and lasted approximately 45 minutes.

While Barrot did not make any statement following the meeting, the head of media at the Maronite patriarchate, lawyer Walid Ghayyad, provided insights into the discussions. According to Ghayyad, Barrot emphasized "the importance of electing a president as a foundational priority" for Lebanon's political stability, while also stressing the "need to stop the ongoing war."

Following his visit to Bkerke, Barrot headed to the Grand Serail, where he met with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

According to reports from local media outlet MTV, Barrot’s visit is part of a broader diplomatic effort by France to encourage solutions that could stabilize the region. 

Among the proposals reportedly brought by Barrot was a set of ideas aimed at securing a ceasefire between warring factions as part of a larger "deal." Central to this plan is the election of a Lebanese president, a position that has remained vacant due to a prolonged political stalemate. Barrot's proposals also involve the full implementation of United Nations Resolution 1701, which aims to ensure peace and security along Lebanon’s southern border with Israel.

Key to the French initiative is the establishment of a buffer zone along the border, which would be under the control of the Lebanese Army. The plan also reportedly calls for Hezbollah to withdraw its forces beyond the Litani River, creating a more secure and stable environment in southern Lebanon.