Middle East set to become central link in supply routes between region, Europe: Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday said the Middle East is set to become a central link in supply routes between the region and Europe, as the ongoing conflict reshapes trade and economic dynamics.

Macron said he met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, and Jordanian Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah on the sidelines of an informal EU summit in the Greek Cypriot Administration.

“As the countries of the Middle East and our Europe suffer the consequences of the regional conflict, it is more crucial than ever to work together on a shared agenda of sovereignty, stability, and prosperity for the entire region,” he said on US social media company X.

He described the Middle East as “destined to become a central link in the supply routes between our two regions."

Reaffirming France’s commitment to the region, Macron said: “France will be there.”

He also said Paris would continue backing Lebanese authorities in preserving the country’s sovereignty, arms monopoly and territorial integrity.

France is ready to rally international partners "when the time comes", including by organizing a conference to support Lebanon’s armed and security forces.