French President Emmanuel Macron is set to visit Lebanon on Friday for the first time since 2020, aiming to expedite the establishment of a government capable of swiftly implementing reforms and facilitating reconstruction efforts.

Following a truce mediated by France and the United States in November between Israel and Hezbollah, Paris has been instrumental in addressing Lebanon’s political stalemate, collaborating with American and Saudi partners, which has resulted in the election of a new president and prime minister.

As a former French protectorate, Lebanon has maintained strong historical connections with France, although the relationship has faced challenges in recent years. Macron invested significant political effort in 2020 to persuade Lebanese leaders to support political and financial reforms in the aftermath of the Beirut port explosion, which claimed over 200 lives and devastated numerous neighborhoods.

“Over the past three months, we have assisted Lebanon in transitioning from escalation to recovery, opening a new chapter of hope,” stated France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who will accompany Macron during the visit, while addressing parliament on French policy in the Middle East.

“With popular support, a broad internal consensus, and international backing, the new Lebanese government can take decisive action to restore state sovereignty and rebuild the nation.” A source from the French presidency informed reporters prior to the trip that the goal is to emphasize the significance of Lebanon’s sovereignty, support structural economic reforms to regain international trust, and ensure the formation of a unified government capable of driving change.

Macron also engaged in discussions with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prior to his visit. For several months, Paris has been encouraging Riyadh to become more involved in Lebanon, a process that has gained momentum with the election of Joseph Aoun as president and Nawaf Salam as prime minister.

French officials expressed optimism that Saudi Arabia would offer financial support and resources to enhance the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces. The military aims to strengthen its presence throughout the country and assert control over southern Lebanon as part of a 60-day truce plan, which is expected to facilitate the withdrawal of Israeli troops by the end of January.

“A Lebanese diplomat remarked that Macron is attempting to regain traction on an issue he has closely monitored, yet one that has proven quite complex for him.”