Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Youssef Rajji concluded his visit to Paris with several side meetings and working meetings on the sidelines of his participation in the ministerial conference on Syria.
Minister Rajji met with Jordanian Foreign Minister Amin Safadi, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, as well as US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Timothy Lenderking, and the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen.
During his meetings, Rajji stressed the "necessity of Israel's commitment to the ceasefire agreement and the complete and unconditional withdrawal from southern Lebanon by February 18, 2025, and the importance of the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701, which guarantees the return of the Lebanese to their villages and the reconstruction of what was destroyed in Lebanon."
On the Syrian issue, the Minister called for "the necessity of revealing the fate of the missing Lebanese in Syrian prisons."
He also stressed "the importance that Lebanon clings to addressing the Syrian displacement file, which has begun to threaten Lebanon's economic and social security and stability," stressing the necessity of amending the international approach to this file and focusing on helping the Syrians to rebuild their villages and secure the opportunity for a decent life there.
Rajji met with Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, on the sidelines of the Paris International Conference on Syria.
Barrot affirmed France's full support for the process of change initiated by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, with the aim of putting Lebanon back on the path of reconstruction, recovery and stability.
The two ministers agreed on the importance of the expected reforms to meet the aspirations of the people, particularly with regard to justice, and to enable the country's economic recovery.
Barrot noted France's firm commitment to respect the commitments undertaken by Israel and Lebanon as part of the ceasefire signed on 26 November 2024.
The pair also stressed the need for a full withdrawal of the Israeli army south of the Blue Line, according to the agreed timetable, and the effective deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces in this area, in accordance with Security Council resolutions.
The two ministers discussed the situation in Syria, and agreed on the need for a peaceful and inclusive transitional process in Syria, and the preservation of the security interests and rights of all. In this context, they noted the importance of peaceful relations between Syria and Lebanon for regional stability.
Finally, the two ministers welcomed the solid friendship between France and Lebanon, and the depth and diversity of relations between the Lebanese and French peoples. They indicated that France will remain fully prepared alongside the Lebanese people to support them on the path to sovereignty and prosperity.
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