French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Paris on Friday, marking the second in-person meeting between the two leaders, following Macron’s visit to Beirut in January.

In a statement issued earlier this week, Aoun’s office expressed the Lebanese president’s appreciation for France’s steadfast assistance, emphasizing President Macron’s personal involvement in facilitating the completion of Lebanon’s presidential election. This pivotal election, which ended over two years of political deadlock, saw Aoun assume the presidency and ushered in a reformist government under Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

In addition to their bilateral talks, a trilateral meeting was held, which included Aoun, Macron, and interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who participated remotely via Zoom. The discussions focused on security issues along the Syrian-Lebanese border, a region that has witnessed rising tensions and clashes in recent months. The leaders also explored strategies to strengthen border security, combat trafficking, and address shared regional challenges, all with the aim of restoring sovereignty to both Lebanon and Syria.

Further discussions were planned as part of a broader diplomatic initiative, including Cyprus and Greece, to tackle challenges in the eastern Mediterranean, particularly related to maritime safety and regional security. The issue of Syrian refugees returning to their homeland was also a key topic, as Lebanon continues to bear the burden of hosting millions of displaced Syrians.

In a joint press conference with Macron following the talks, the Lebanese president vowed to extend the State's sovereignty and build a stronger military, reiterating Lebanon's commitment to ending the cycle of violence that has plagued the nation.

“We reject any attack on Lebanon or any suspicious, malicious attempt to drag Lebanon again into the cycle of violence,” Aoun declared. "What is happening increases our determination and commitment to build our country and army, and extend our control over all of our lands."

"There are certain things required from us as citizens, as a state, and as officials. First, we must build a strong, sovereign state protected by its army and official forces, with the agreement and unity of its people. Unfortunately, Lebanon today holds unprecedented global records, including the highest number of refugees, the largest financial crisis impacting private banks, the central bank, and depositors, and the largest proportion of unrecognized borders for a sovereign state. We must address these crises to achieve stability," Aoun stated.

Aoun also called on Lebanon’s international allies to take swift action to prevent further escalation, urging them to help Lebanon implement international resolutions.

On the subject of reforms, Aoun assured that the country has already begun implementing necessary changes.

"We have begun implementing reforms and met with a delegation from the International Monetary Fund. The next step will be the reconstruction of the Council for Development and Reconstruction, which is essential in the rebuilding process, in addition to the law on reforming the banking sector," he noted.

Turning to developments on the Lebanese-Syrian border, Aoun reported that a meeting between Lebanese and Syrian defense ministers had resulted in a joint agreement to stop smuggling, enhance border security, and address the issue of Syrian refugees.

"It is time for them to return to Syria with the help of the international community. The return of refugees is a necessary need for both countries," Aoun asserted.

When asked about the situation along the border and recent military escalations, Aoun questioned the role of the international community in securing a ceasefire.

"If the United States and France are unable to secure guarantees for a ceasefire, who can secure them?" he said. He also clarified that the Lebanese army is actively investigating the source of the rockets launched toward Israel last week.

"Based on past experience, Hezbollah is not believed to have launched them," Aoun explained, suggesting that a third party with an interest in destabilizing the situation might be responsible. The investigation is ongoing, and Aoun reiterated that Lebanon will not tolerate being used as a platform for launching rockets.

For his part, French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the recent Israeli airstrikes, asserting that there was no justifiable reason for Israel's actions in Lebanon.

“The framework agreed upon by Lebanon and Israel was not respected today by Israel unilaterally and without us having either information or proof of the triggering event,” Macron said. 

Macron emphasized that France views Israel as a key ally but made it clear that disagreements with certain Israeli actions must be voiced.

"Israel is France’s friend,” Macron told reporters, “but this does not prevent us from expressing our disagreements over some of its actions."

"We are waiting for reports on any military actions, and we will clarify the situation in the coming hours. However, nothing justifies the Israeli bombing. The situation is unacceptable and does not align with the framework we agreed upon."

The French president reaffirmed his country’s commitment to Lebanon, understanding the gravity of the challenges facing the country.

"France stands by Lebanon and is aware of the magnitude of the challenges it faces, which require firm assistance from international partners," Macron said, announcing that a high-level French delegation would soon visit Lebanon to collaborate in the judicial sector, further reinforcing France’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and security.

Macron highlighted the progress made by the Lebanese army in securing the south, noting that France would continue to support Lebanon in maintaining control over its territory. He also expressed his belief in the importance of the reform agenda laid out by Aoun, adding that France would work with Lebanon’s international partners to support the Lebanese government’s reform efforts.

“We will meet with Lebanon’s friends to support the structure that the Lebanese executive authorities have begun to implement for the first group of aid,” he said.

Macron also reiterated the importance of continuing work under the United Nations to delineate the Lebanese-Syrian border.

“France will play its role to accompany both parties, as it has good historical knowledge of the issue,” Macron said. He emphasized the need for clarity on the events of the day and affirmed that France would work with the U.S. and Israel to secure a ceasefire.

لحظة وصول رئيس الجمهورية العماد جوزاف عون إلى قصر الإليزيه للقاء الرئيس الفرنسي إيمانويل ماكرون pic.twitter.com/sYxCjqMPIJ

— kataeb.org (@kataeb_Ar) March 28, 2025