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Aoun, Macron discuss efforts to end Israeli attacks on Lebanon

Paris, Sept 17 (UNI) Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace on Thursday for talks focused on efforts to end Israeli attacks on Lebanon and support ongoing Lebanese-American-Israeli negotiations on a framework agreement.
Aoun was received by Macron at the presidential palace, with the two leaders discussing developments in Lebanon and efforts to strengthen the Lebanese state's authority and security institutions, according to the Lebanese presidency.
The meeting came as France hosted talks aimed at supporting Lebanon's armed forces and security services, with the Lebanese military expected to play a central role in deploying in southern Lebanon and working to disarm Hezbollah under the proposed framework agreement with Israel.
Military delegations and experts from several countries, along with representatives of governments and international organisations, were expected to attend Thursday's meeting ahead of a wider conference on strengthening Lebanon's security institutions, the Lebanese presidency said.
Jordan has since expressed its "full support" for the conference.
King Abdullah reaffirmed Jordan's support for Lebanon's security and sovereignty during a meeting with Lebanese Army Commander-in-Chief Rodolph Haykal in Amman on Sunday, the Lebanese Army said.
Jordan and Lebanon have also stepped up military cooperation over the past year. Haykal visited Jordan in July 2025, where the two armies highlighted their strategic partnership and cooperation in areas including military training.
Jordan's Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Youssef Al-Hneiti visited Beirut in January 2026 for talks on training and strengthening the capabilities of the Lebanese Army. Amman has also provided food aid to the Lebanese military.
Aoun thanked Macron for France's support for Lebanon and for his personal efforts to follow developments in the country, strengthen the authority and sovereignty of the Lebanese state, and support its official security and military institutions.
The Lebanese president also praised an initiative launched by Macron and the Italian prime minister concerning arrangements following the end of the UNIFIL mandate.
The two presidents agreed to maintain communication and strengthen cooperation in several areas, particularly the economy and energy sector. The agreement called for a ceasefire, the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory and the disarmament of Hezbollah.
They also discussed the resumption of oil and gas exploration in Lebanese offshore blocks, according to the Lebanese presidency.
UNI AAB
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