Beirut: Interior and Municipalities Minister Ahmad Hajjar received French Ambassador to Lebanon Patrick Durel on a protocol visit marking the start of his diplomatic mission in the country. The meeting focused on strengthening the French-Lebanese partnership amid the challenges facing Lebanon, as well as preparations for next week's international conference in Paris to support the Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces and bolster their capabilities.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Hajjar also received European Union Ambassador Sandra De Waele, with discussions focusing on EU support for Lebanon's security and military institutions and ways to further develop and strengthen that assistance.

The minister later met MPs Amine Sherri and Raed Berro to discuss the general situation and a number of development and service-related matters.