French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Thursday, July 24, at the Élysée Palace, marking Salam’s first official visit to France since his appointment in January. In a joint statement released at the conclusion of the visit, France and Lebanon reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in governance, economic recovery, justice and security.
Renewed Support for Lebanese Reforms
President Macron called for the swift adoption of two key laws essential for Lebanon’s economic transformation, paving the way for a new program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). On this basis, France is considering hosting an international conference in Paris dedicated to supporting Lebanon’s economy.
€75 Million for Reconstruction
Macron also announced a €75 million contribution to the World Bank’s Lebanese Emergency Assistance Project (LEAP), aimed at funding the reconstruction of areas devastated by recent clashes, particularly in southern Lebanon.
Justice and Institutions: A Key Pillar of French Support
France pledged both technical and financial support to Lebanon’s judicial reform process. A French expert will be seconded to Lebanon’s Ministry of Justice. Additionally, a new partnership will be established between France’s National School for the Judiciary and Lebanon’s Institute of Judicial Studies.
Security and Ceasefire: Strengthening UNIFIL’s Mandate
France reaffirmed its support for the November 27, 2024, ceasefire agreement, calling for the full withdrawal of Israeli forces and strict adherence to the terms of the agreement. President Macron underscored the need to renew the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate and to reinforce the ceasefire monitoring mechanism to help ensure stability along Lebanon’s southern border.
Lebanon-Syria Cooperation: France Offers to Facilitate
France expressed readiness to assist Lebanon and Syria in cooperating on border security and demarcation issues, offering its technical expertise and access to historical archives.
Beirut ‘Reassured’
Following the meeting, Nawaf Salam told the press he was “returning to Beirut reassured by President Macron’s commitment.” He thanked France for its support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, security and prosperity. He also announced plans for a forthcoming bilateral French-Lebanese conference, as a precursor to an international aid summit.
Je remercie la France pour son soutien constant au Liban, à sa sécurité, sa souveraineté et sa prospérité. Je rentre à Beyrouth rassuré par les engagements du Président Macron sur l’aide au Liban, le renouvellement de la FINUL et le renforcement de nos liens bilatéraux dans les… pic.twitter.com/BYp3BQTrn1
— Nawaf Salam نواف سلام (@nawafasalam) July 24, 2025
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