French Defence Minister visits Beirut

The French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, confirmed that the support of the Lebanese army will continue in addition to political and economic cooperation, during his visit to Beirut. The 24-hour visit began on Thursday afternoon, during which the minister met several Lebanese officials, and reviewed the Syrian issue. At the airport, Drian was received by a representative from the Lebanese defence ministry, and the accompanying delegation to Saraya. They all met Prime Minister Najib Mikati who was accompanied by a French high-level military and civilian delegation, and the French Ambassador to Lebanon Patrice Paoli. Mikati praised the meeting as a historical event between Lebanon and France. He also congratulated France’s support in all areas, especially through active participation in the international forces that operates in southern Lebanon. He said: “France’s support to the Lebanese stance in international forums and its understanding of self-distancing policies that are adopted by Lebanon regarding the current events in Syria." Yesterday evening, the Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, received the French minister and the delegation, in the presence of the Adviser of French affairs, his brother Mahmoud Berri. The meeting tackled the situation in Lebanon,the region, and the developments in Syria. Sleiman received at the Presidential Palace in Baabda,  Drian and the delegation. They discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and cooperation in various areas, particularly the military level. Sleiman also thanked France for its permanent support to Lebanon in regional and international forums and pointed out the historical relations between the two countries. The Lebanese President asked  Drian to convey his greetings to President Hollande and his wishes of stability and prosperity.