Lebanese President Aoun meets former French PM Fillon to discuss humanitarian aid and security initiatives

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met former French Prime Minister François Fillon to discuss humanitarian assistance for border communities and international efforts to support state sovereignty and stability.

• Fillon briefed Aoun on his visits to Lebanese border villages and the needs of residents ahead of sending additional humanitarian and social aid.
• Aoun stressed that stopping Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty is the main challenge and affirmed Lebanon’s commitment to negotiation to extend state authority to the southern borders through the army and security forces.
• Aoun said French President Emmanuel Macron is working to convene two international conferences: one to support the Lebanese army and internal security forces, and another to support the Lebanese economy.
• Aoun noted a French-Italian initiative to form a joint force in southern Lebanon after the UNIFIL mandate ends and its withdrawal begins by 2027, with interest from other European and Asian countries.