France's Macron arrives in Beirut for 1st visit since Aoun’s election as president

BEIRUT

French President Emmanuel Macron landed in Beirut on Friday, marking his first visit to Lebanon since Joseph Aoun was elected president following a two-year presidential vacuum.

Macron’s plane touched down at Rafic Hariri International Airport around 7 am (0500GMT), where he was greeted by caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and a host of officials, according to Lebanese media.

The one-day visit aims to support Aoun and Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam. According to the French presidency, Macron’s visit seeks to “strengthen Lebanon’s sovereignty, ensure its prosperity, and preserve its unity.”

Further discussions between Macron and Lebanese leaders are expected to focus on political reforms, economic recovery efforts, and bolstering international support for Lebanon.

Aoun was elected president on Jan. 9 after over two years of a presidential vacancy due to political disputes.

His election follows a devastating Israeli military campaign last fall which left Lebanon grappling with worsening political divisions and economic hardships.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi