French President Receives Lebanese Prime Minister at Elysee Palace
Macron Pledges Strong Support for Lebanon’s Economic Revival and Sovereignty During Salam’s Paris Visit
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Paris, France – July 24, 2025 – French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf salam today for an official working lunch at the Élysée Palace, marking Salam’s frist official visit to France since assuming office. The discussions underscored France’s unwavering commitment to lebanon’s economic recovery, institutional strengthening, and territorial sovereignty.
France Reiterates Support for Lebanese Economic Reforms
in a statement released following the meeting, the French presidency highlighted President Macron’s warm reception of Prime Minister Salam, emphasizing France’s robust backing for the Lebanese authorities’ efforts to revitalize the economy and bolster state institutions. This support is a continuation of the strong positions expressed by Macron during his visit to Lebanon earlier this year.
The talks between the two leaders focused on critical issues concerning Lebanon’s security,prosperity,and sovereignty. President Macron specifically lauded the reform agenda spearheaded by Prime minister Salam, particularly the legislative efforts to reform the banking sector. He stressed the importance of these reforms in meeting the aspirations of the Lebanese people and the international community.
Paris to Host international Conference for Lebanon
In a notable move to bolster Lebanon’s economic prospects,President Macron announced France’s readiness to host an international conference in Paris. this conference will aim to support a new Lebanese program,developed in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF),signaling a concerted international effort to aid Lebanon’s financial recovery.
Furthermore, France reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to the reconstruction of affected regions in Lebanon. President Macron announced an allocation of 75 million euros (approximately 88 million dollars) as part of the World Bank’s project to support Lebanon in emergency situations, known as LEAP.
strengthening Judicial cooperation and Regional Stability
President Macron also affirmed France’s continued support for vital sectors within the Lebanese management, with a particular focus on the justice system. This support will involve providing technical expertise and fostering cooperation between the National School of French Judicial Studies and the Lebanese Institute for Judicial Studies, enhancing the capacity and independence of Lebanon’s judiciary.
Call for Ceasefire and Israeli Withdrawal
Addressing regional dynamics, President Macron underscored the critical importance of the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement signed on November 26, 2024. He reiterated France’s call for the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Lebanese territory and an end to ongoing violations.
France’s commitment to Lebanon’s security was further emphasized through its continued support for the Lebanese army, aimed at reinforcing the state’s monopoly on weapons. Macron also stressed the necessity of renewing the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and strengthening mechanisms for de-escalation and fire control.
Franco-Syrian Border Cooperation
The French President also renewed France’s willingness to support Lebanese-Syrian cooperation in securing their common borders. This potential collaboration includes the possibility of providing archival expertise and documents related to border demarcation, to be coordinated closely with the Lebanese authorities.