French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit Lebanon next week to congratulate President Joseph Aoun on his election, Annahar reported.

Macron’s visit aims to emphasize the importance of quickly appointing a prime minister and forming a government capable of implementing necessary reforms to unlock much-needed international aid, the report noted. 

A senior French official dismissed rumors suggesting that Paris is backing caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati for reappointment. Speaking to Annahar, the official clarified that France has no involvement in promoting specific candidates for the role.