President of the Republic, General Michel Aoun, affirmed his keenness to "strengthening the Lebanese-French relations rooted in history, and developing them in all fields."

He said that, during his state visit to France, he agreed with "French President Emmanuel Macron on a series of steps that form a road map that reflects the deep-rooted ties between the two countries," pointing out that "Lebanon looks forward to the official visit by President Macron to Beirut during the month of April [2018], so as to put into effect many of the issues that have been agreed upon."

The President made these remarks during his meeting at the Baabda Palace with the French Minister of Culture, Françoise Nyssen, who is in Beirut to attend the opening of the Francophone Book Fair in Biel.

The French minister visited the President today, accompanied by the French Ambassador to Lebanon, Bruno Foucher, and ranking dignitaries.

At the beginning of the meeting, Nyssen relayed to Aoun the greetings of President Macron, and expressed her happiness to be in Beirut for the opening of the Francophone Book Fair "which has become an important cultural milestone in Lebanese life and in the Francophone march."

She pointed out that her country is "working to develop cultural cooperation with Lebanon through specific projects and activities, especially in the fields of culture and education. President Macron has underlined the need to make relations between the two countries top priority."

"My visit to Beirut will be followed by state visits to a number of ministers, for the sake of translating into action the French president's interest in Lebanon," she said.

Aoun, in turn, hoped that this visit would be the beginning of a series of mutual visits between Lebanon and France, to put forward what he agreed on with the French president of joint steps that could enhance cooperation between the two countries.
Praising the efforts made every year to make the French Book Fair a success, Aoun said "that reflects Lebanon's unique role in spreading the Francophone culture."

He finally reiterated Lebanon's ability to become a center for dialogue of religions, civilizations and races

Source: NNA