French President Emmanuel Macron has reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Lebanon, pledging two conferences aimed at strengthening the country’s institutions and advancing reconstruction.

In a letter addressed to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Macron said the first conference will focus on bolstering the Lebanese army, while the second is intended to promote Lebanon’s recovery and reconstruction efforts.

The French president also commended what he described as “courageous decisions” by President Aoun to ensure that the monopoly of arms remains under the control of Lebanon’s legitimate forces, a reference to ongoing efforts to consolidate State authority over weapons in the country.