October 18, 2026
The French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, will arrive in Beirut on Saturday and Sunday (October 17 and 18, 2026), on a joint official visit with the Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, Alice Ruffaut.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, in a statement, that this visit comes as a continuation of the high-level international meeting hosted by Paris last September 17 to support the Lebanese Armed Forces, which was held under the joint chairmanship of the President of the Lebanese Republic, the French President, and the King of Jordan.
During his meetings with Lebanese officials, Minister Barrow is scheduled to renew his country’s firm position in support of Lebanon’s sovereignty, stability and security. It will also stress the necessity of fully implementing the Framework Agreement concluded on June 26, 2026, and UN Security Council Resolution No. 1701, including the disarmament of Hezbollah, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the redeployment of the Lebanese army across all Lebanese territory.
In light of the approaching end of the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) at the end of this year, the French Minister will highlight the urgent need to create a new international system that guarantees support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, supports the deployment of the Lebanese army, and prevents any potential security vacuum.
In this context, Barrow will welcome the European Union’s adoption, on October 12, of a decision establishing the “European Union Support Mission to Lebanon” within the framework of the Common Security and Defense Policy, to form a basic pillar within the new international support structure.
In conclusion, the French Minister’s discussions with the Lebanese leaders will address the priority of initiating the basic reforms necessary to revive the economy and restore the country’s health, in addition to emphasizing France’s continued commitment to meeting the urgent humanitarian needs of the Lebanese people.
