French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday discussed strengthening their defense and energy cooperation and reiterated their determination to “work together” to help Lebanon.
They also “discussed the areas in which this cooperation could be further strengthened, particularly regarding defense and energy issues,” the French presidency added.
“Working together to help lead Lebanon out of the crisis”
They also “shared their concern about the situation in Lebanon and reiterated their determination to work together to help bring the country out of the deep crisis it is going through,” the Elysée said.
Since 2019, Lebanon has been plunged into a deep economic crisis blamed by a large part of the population on mismanagement, corruption, negligence and the inertia of a ruling class in power for decades.
The political crisis in Lebanon is aggravating the situation, the deputies have not been able to agree to elect a new President of the Republic since November. The country is run by a resigning government with reduced powers.
Emmanuel Macron also welcomed the decision by Saudi Arabia and Iran to re-establish diplomatic relations, stressing its “importance for regional stability.”
Relations between the two Middle Eastern heavyweights have been strained for decades due to religious rivalry and the struggle for influence in the region.
Source: BFM TV
