Macron meets Middle East leaders, pledges support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and regional stability

Europe-Asia, International, Middle East

INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, and Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II on the sidelines of the informal European Council meeting in Cyprus. The discussions focused on addressing the challenges facing countries in the Middle East and strengthening cooperation between the region and Europe.

Macron stressed the importance of working together on a shared agenda of sovereignty, stability, and prosperity, noting that both Europe and the Middle East are grappling with the consequences of ongoing regional conflicts. He emphasized that the Middle East is poised to become a central link in supply routes with the European Union, a development he said would benefit both peoples and economies.

The French President announced that France will continue to play its part in advancing these objectives, particularly by supporting Lebanon in its efforts to uphold sovereignty and territorial integrity. He underscored France’s backing for the Lebanese state’s monopoly over weapons, describing it as a categorical plan to disarm Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed armed group operating in Lebanon.

Macron further stated that France stands ready to mobilize its partners when the time comes, including by organizing a conference in support of Lebanon’s armed and security forces as well as the country’s economic recovery.

European diplomats at the Cyprus meeting welcomed Macron’s initiative, noting that France’s leadership could help galvanize broader EU support for stability in the Middle East. They emphasized that coordinated action is essential to prevent further escalation and to strengthen regional partnerships.

The meeting in Cyprus highlighted France’s ongoing diplomatic engagement in the Middle East, with Macron positioning his country as a key partner in efforts to stabilize the region and foster closer ties with Europe.