French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Beirut on Friday, making his first visit to Lebanon in over four years. The visit comes after Lebanon ended a two-year presidential deadlock with the election of a new president and as the country anticipates the formation of a government capable of swiftly implementing reforms and paving the way for reconstruction. This follows a devastating 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that has left Lebanon grappling with severe political and economic challenges.

Macron’s visit follows the implementation of a ceasefire agreement, brokered with key French involvement, which took effect on November 27. The deal, aimed at ending the prolonged hostilities, is being monitored by a committee that includes a French officer.

Upon landing at Beirut’s international airport, Macron was greeted by caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati. Addressing journalists, Macron described his visit as “a message of gratitude” to Lebanon for its efforts to implement the ceasefire and move toward stability.

Macron and Mikati held a 45-minute bilateral meeting during which the French president expressed his appreciation for Mikati’s leadership during a challenging period for Lebanon.

“I expressed my gratitude and appreciation to Prime Minister Mikati for the efforts he has made over the years in serving all Lebanese, particularly during the very challenging period caused by the recent war,” Macron stated.

For his part, Mikati said that this visit underscores France’s commitment to supporting Lebanon during this critical period, noting that Macron would meet with U.S. and French officers overseeing the ceasefire before engaging with Lebanese leaders to strengthen international cooperation.

During his visit, Macron is expected to visit southern Lebanon, where French troops are part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), responsible for monitoring the border with Israel. He will also meet with President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam to discuss solutions for Lebanon’s economic crisis and ways to reassert state authority in areas traditionally controlled by Hezbollah.

While the ceasefire has brought a temporary calm, concerns about its durability remain. When asked if France could ensure Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territory by the end of the 60-day truce, Mikati clarified that the topic had not been discussed during his meeting with Macron. However, he assured that France is working closely with U.S. officials on the issue.

Later, Macron headed to the French Embassy in Beirut where he laid a wreath at the tomb of the "Unknown Soldier."

Following the ceremony, Macron, accompanied by French Presidential Envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian and Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud, toured the Gemayzeh area, meeting with local figures to hear their perspectives.

He also met with young volunteers from the Lebanese Red Cross before visiting the "School of the Three Doctors" to further engage with the Lebanese community.

Reuters cited a source from the French presidency, briefing reporters before the visit, as saying that the trip aims to reaffirm Lebanon's sovereignty, support its pursuit of structural economic reforms to rebuild international trust, and promote the establishment of a cohesive government capable of implementing necessary changes.  

Prior to his visit, Macron spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. France has been working to encourage Saudi Arabia’s renewed involvement in Lebanon, a process bolstered by the election of Joseph Aoun as president and the appointment of Nawaf Salam as prime minister.  

French officials expressed confidence that Saudi Arabia might provide funding and equipment to enhance the Lebanese Armed Forces. The military’s efforts focus on extending its authority across Lebanon and assuming control of the south, as outlined in the 60-day truce that anticipates an Israeli withdrawal by the end of January.  

"Macron is trying to bounce back on a file that he followed with great attention, but on which he got quite badly tangled," a Lebanese diplomat said as per Reuters.