France is delighted that a president has been elected in Lebanon, following the parliamentary session of 9 January. It offers its warm congratulations to Mr Joseph Aoun. It wishes him every success in carrying out his mission, which commits him at a historic, crucial moment for Lebanon's future.
This election ends two years that have weakened Lebanon, when the presidency has been vacant, and opens a new chapter for the Lebanese people. It must provide grounds for hope for them and all Lebanon's partners and friends, committed alongside it for years. It is encouraging for France, which has played a major role in getting Lebanon's institutions back up and running through the active efforts of minister Jean-Noël Barrot and the good offices mission headed since June 2023 by President Macron's personal representative to Lebanon, M. Jean-Yves Le Drian, in close conjunction with our Quintet partners.
France urgently calls on all the Lebanese political leaders and Lebanese authorities to commit to the country's lasting recovery. This election must now be followed by the appointment of a strong government, in support of the President, capable of bringing Lebanese people together, addressing their aspirations and needs, and conducting the reforms necessary to Lebanon's economic recovery, stability, security and sovereignty.
The election of a president will contribute to this stability and, in the immediate term, to the proper implementation of the ceasefire reached between Lebanon and Israel on 26 November 2024. France is resolutely committed to this, alongside the United States and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
France has always stood by Lebanon and the Lebanese people. It will continue to do so, as the new Lebanese President, Mr Joseph Aoun, knows.