Doha: Lebanon's Defense Minister, Maj. Gen. Michel Menassa, emphasized the need to intensify international efforts to reach a comprehensive and permanent cease-fire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, enabling the return of displaced people and reconstruction.
According to Qatar News Agency, during a meeting in Paris with his French counterpart, Catherine Vautrin, the two officials discussed ways to strengthen military cooperation between Lebanon and France, and the continuation of French support for the Lebanese Army amid current challenges.
They also addressed the security situation in Lebanon and the consequences of ongoing Israeli military operations, including human losses and infrastructure damage. The two sides discussed the future of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), as debates continue over the renewal of its current mandate.
The officials also examined the regional impact of the war in the Middle East, expressing hope that the agreement signed between the United States and Iran would take into account the interests of all parties involved, including Lebanon.