French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Lebanon on Friday, marking his first trip since 2020. His aim is to expedite government formation, implement critical reforms, and pave the way for reconstruction.

Axar.az, citing Reuters, reports that following a France and U.S.-brokered truce in November between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, Lebanon has made strides in breaking political deadlock, resulting in the election of a new president and prime minister. Macron’s visit underscores France's commitment to restoring Lebanon’s sovereignty and economic stability.

Macron’s previous efforts in 2020 to push reforms after the Beirut port explosion fell short, but France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot highlighted recent progress, saying, “In three months, we’ve helped Lebanon move from escalation to recovery, opening a new page of hope.”

France aims to build international confidence in Lebanon’s new government and has engaged Saudi Arabia, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman showing support. Officials are optimistic about Saudi funding and equipment for the Lebanese Armed Forces, enabling them to strengthen nationwide control, particularly in southern Lebanon, as Israeli troops prepare to withdraw under the truce agreement.

This visit represents Macron’s renewed efforts to address Lebanon’s challenges, with French officials hopeful for tangible progress.