French President Emmanuel Macron visited Baabda Palace on Friday to meet with Lebanon’s newly elected President, Joseph Aoun. The visit marked a pivotal moment in Lebanon’s political landscape, as Macron reaffirmed France’s unwavering commitment to supporting Lebanon’s sovereignty, stability, and recovery.

During a joint press conference following their talks, President Aoun highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties between Lebanon and France.

“In the heart of every Lebanese, in their minds, conscience, daily language, living history, and creative culture, there is so much of France,” Aoun said, underscoring the profound influence of France on Lebanon's identity.

Addressing President Macron directly, Aoun expressed hope for renewed international confidence in Lebanon.

“I hope you will bear witness to the world that the Lebanese people’s confidence in their country and state has been restored, and that the world’s trust in Lebanon must fully return, because the true, authentic Lebanon has returned,” he declared, signaling his administration’s focus on rebuilding trust both domestically and internationally.

For his part, Macron praised Aoun’s leadership, noting that his election ended the prolonged political paralysis that had hindered Lebanon’s progress.

"You have been elected President of the Republic, and since January 9, it feels as though spring has returned in the midst of winter. Your Excellency, you are a symbol of hope, and the new Prime Minister will embody this hope in action. Your election by the Lebanese people reflects their demand for change and their aspiration to revive Lebanon," Macron said in an address to Aoun. 

“France has stood by the Lebanese people over the past years,” Macron said. Addressing Aoun, he added, “You have ended the political vacuum Lebanon experienced, and you are putting Lebanon on the path to recovery.”

The French President reiterated France’s steadfast support for Lebanon’s sovereignty.

"We will stand by you and support your goal of a sovereign Lebanon, which is crucial for protecting the country from aggression and for maintaining the ceasefire with Israel—a significant diplomatic achievement."

“We will continue to support Lebanon in asserting its sovereignty over all its territories,” he affirmed, emphasizing that shielding Lebanon from external interference is essential to maintaining the ceasefire. Macron also pledged continued support for the Lebanese Armed Forces.

"We will continue training Lebanese soldiers and commend the progress made in implementing Resolution 1701. Furthermore, we will collaborate with you to finalize the demarcation of borders along the Blue Line," he pledged.

“We will support the Lebanese Armed Forces to ensure their deployment in the south," he stressed. "Keeping Lebanon free from external interference is crucial for preserving peace.”

Macron further highlighted France’s commitment to resolving longstanding border disputes.

“We will work with Lebanon on demarcating the borders along the Blue Line,” he announced, signaling a continued French role in facilitating discussions around border issues.

"We look forward to the full withdrawal of the Israeli military and ensuring that weapons are exclusively in the hands of the Lebanese Armed Forces. We will work to mobilize the international community to support Lebanon in every way possible. UNIFIL’s role must be strengthened to allow it to fulfill its mission effectively."

The French president stressed the urgency of forming a new government without delay, stating, "I am confident that all political forces will work to support you and the designated Prime Minister. Everyone is committed to finding solutions. During your visit to France in a few weeks, we will host an international conference to rally financial support for Lebanon’s reconstruction. France will remain by your side. Additionally, it is imperative to implement reforms, particularly in the judicial and banking sectors."

Later, an expanded meeting was held, bringing together Presidents Joseph Aoun and Emmanuel Macron, Speaker Nabih Berri, and Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati.