NNA - Prime Minister Najib Mikati received French Foreign Minister Stephane Séjourne this afternoon at the Grand Serail.

The meeting was also attended by French Ambassador to Lebanon, Herve Magro, Director of North Africa and the Middle East at the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Anne Grillo, and advisors to the Prime Minister, former Minister Nicolas Nahhas and Ambassador Butros Asaker.

Discussions focused on the efforts undertaken by France to restore calm to southern Lebanon, and to stop the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

The Prime Minister was briefed by Minister Sejourne about the tour he is making in the region and the talks he will hold.

"Lebanon appreciates France for always standing by its side and supporting it at all levels," Mikati emphasized, adding that "Lebanon also values the great effort of President Emmanuel Macron to protect Lebanon, its stability, and its economic recovery.”

He added: "The French initiative constitutes a practical framework for implementing International Resolution No. 1701, which Lebanon adheres to implementing in full, while demanding Israel's commitment to implementing it and stopping its destructive aggression against southern Lebanon, in addition to supporting the army to enable it to carry out its tasks and achieve lasting peace on the borders."

PM Mikati also renewed his "call to France and the European countries to support Lebanon in order to reach a solution to the crisis of displaced Syrians," referring to "the beginning of a new European approach through recognition of the challenge that this issue represents for Lebanon and willingness to work with the Lebanese authorities in this regard."

===========R.Sh.