Lebanon Receives French Invitation for Army Support Meeting

Lebanon announced Wednesday it has received an invitation from France to attend a preparatory meeting in Paris on September 17. The meeting aims to lay the groundwork for an international conference focused on supporting the Lebanese army.

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received from the French charge d'affaires in Lebanon, Bruno Da Silva, a letter from French President Emmanuel Macron that included an invitation for Lebanon to participate in a preparatory meeting to be held in Paris on September 17

This conference was initially scheduled for March but was postponed due to the escalating regional conflict. The conflict, which saw Hezbollah draw Lebanon into hostilities with Israel in support of Iran, has impacted the timing of international support efforts.

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the constant interest he shows towards Lebanon and its national institutions, foremost among them the army and the Internal Security Forces

President Joseph Aoun expressed gratitude to French President Emmanuel Macron for the invitation, highlighting France's "constant interest" in Lebanon and its institutions, particularly the army. Aoun emphasized the critical need for international support to equip and train the Lebanese army, enabling it to effectively fulfill its responsibilities.

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supporting the Lebanese army with the aim of enabling it to possess the capabilities and resources necessary to carry out its responsibilities effectively

Army chiefs, international organization representatives, and experts are expected at the preparatory meeting. France had previously sent its foreign minister to Lebanon in February to prepare for the event. While Beirut has received international pledges for its troops, the army continues to face severe shortages in equipment, personnel, and technical capabilities.

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The army requires international support and a collective effort to meet its operational needs, logistical equipment, training and capacity building