Macron hosts Lebanon's PM Mikati at Élysée Palace for discussions on ceasefire and support conference

French President Emmanuel Macron received Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the Élysée Palace, where the two discussed the current situation in Lebanon and French efforts to secure a ceasefire, as well as preparations for the "International Conference in Support of Lebanon's People and Sovereignty" scheduled for Thursday, at Macron's invitation.  

Mikati arrived at the Élysée around 4:15 p.m., where President Macron welcomed him. The two leaders shook hands at the palace entrance in front of the media.

Afterward, Presidents Macron and Mikati held a meeting in the French president's office, with Lebanon's caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib attending the initial part. The two leaders then had an extended private discussion.

During the meeting, President Macron affirmed his "ongoing efforts and endeavors in cooperation with the United States to secure a ceasefire and explore ways to pressure Israel to achieve that."  

For his part, the Prime Minister expressed his deep gratitude to President Macron for his continuous and unwavering support for Lebanon. 

He also thanked him for all the efforts being made to stop the fighting and the Israeli aggression.  

He viewed the upcoming conference to support Lebanon as a clear demonstration of France's commitment to Lebanon and its people.