France’s president began a visit to Lebanon Friday, where he will meet the crisis-hit country’s newly elected leaders, as the nation attempts to recover from the 14-month Israel-Hezbollah war.

French President Emmanuel Macron after his meeting with Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, right, upon his arrival in Beirut, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025.

ALBAWABA- French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Beirut on Friday for a 12-hour visit, marking a significant step in supporting Lebanon’s newly ele

BEIRUT (Reuters) -French President Emmanuel Macron called on Israel on Friday to accelerate its troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon, as a deadline nears for the pullout under the terms of a ceasefire that ended the war with Hezbollah last year.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Friday that Israel must accelerate its withdrawal from south Lebanon to achieve a full pullout,

Macron also spoke to Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ahead of the visit. Paris has sought to get Riyadh to re-engage in Lebanon for months and the arrival of Joseph Aoun to the presidency and Nawaf Salam as prime minister has helped that process.

French President Emmanuel Macron calls for 'accelerating' implementation of cease-fire between Israel, Hezbollah during his visit to Beirut - Anadolu Ajansı

Emmanuel Macron is the first foreign head of state to visit Beirut since Joseph Aoun was elected as Lebanon’s president.

President Emmanuel Macron and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot arrived in Beirut on Friday for a one-day official visit. Prime Minister Najib Mikati and the French ambassador welcomed them at the airport.

The French president made the announcement as he visited Beirut in a show of support for Lebanon's new leaders.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for Israel to accelerate its troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon, in line with a ceasefire agreement made last year. During his visit to Beirut, he supported strengthening Lebanon's military and assured France’s backing for their efforts in southern territories.

Emmanuel Macron will visit Lebanon to help form a new government and implement reforms post-2020 political deadlock. Renewed international engagement, including support from France, aims to boost Lebanon's sovereignty and economy.