Caretaker Defense Minister Maurice Slim received his French counterpart, Sebastien Lecornu, in the presence of French Ambassador Anne Grillo and his accompanying delegation.

The pair discussed the historical relations between the two countries in various fields, especially with regard to the continuous French support for the Lebanese Armed Forces.

The French minister affirmed “continued support for Lebanon and his country’s aspirations for its advancement,” stressing the importance of electing a president.

He also touched on the issue of illegal immigration across the Mediterranean, indicating in this context the importance of cooperation to combat it.

Lecornu, who was inspecting his country’s battalion operating within the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon “UNIFIL” since 1978, praised the close coordination and cooperation between the army and the military force in general and the French battalion in particular.

He referred to the interest that French President Emmanuel Macron attaches to the situation in Lebanon, and announced that he has a mandate from President Macron to formulate a military cooperation program between the two countries for the next stage and how to develop it in a way that increases the capabilities of the Lebanese army, especially in the field of raising the capacity of the Lebanese Navy.

In turn, Slim thanked France for its permanent stance on the side of Lebanon, especially in times of crisis, and its continuous support for him and his institutions, especially the Lebanese army. He explained to his French counterpart the tasks assigned to the army at the borders and at home, pointing to its achievements in confronting terrorism and combating illegal immigration across the Mediterranean.

Pointing out the importance of electing a President for the regular work of the constitutional institutions, he considered that all the Lebanese people look forward to accomplishing this important achievement as soon as possible.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon