Off the wire
• China sets major tasks for reform in 2016  • 1st LD-Writethru: Mainland urges Taiwan to give fraud suspects "punishment they deserve"  • Space station gets first inflatable room  • Roundup: Schoolgirl at the heart of current crisis in Indian-controlled Kashmir held by police  • Turkish, Iranian presidents vow to boost ties after lifting of sanctions on Tehran  • Interview: EU eyes Chinese market to alleviate agri-food crisis: commissioner  • Schools closed, transport paralysed as floods wreak havoc in SW Tanzania  • France's Hollande arrives in Lebanon at start of Middle East tour  • Party journal stresses study of Marxist values, improvement of governance  • Nigeria's economy on firm recovery path: minister  
You are here: 　 Home

Hollande says France stands with Lebanon

Xinhua, April 16, 2016 Adjust font size:

Visiting French President Francois Hollande said Saturday that his country stands with Lebanon and is keen on consolidating security in Lebanon through military cooperation.

In a joint press conference with Lebanon's Speaker Nabih Berri, Hollande said he was eager to make a third trip to Lebanon to meet with the country's new head of state.

"I want to visit Beirut again when there is a president in Lebanon but the issue lies in the hands of Lebanese lawmakers who should resolve the deadlock and elect a head of state," said Hollande.

Lebanon has been in a presidential vacuum since the six-year term of President Michel Suleiman ended in May 2014 and the parliament failed in 37 consecutive sessions to elect an incumbent.

"France stands with Lebanon and is keen on consolidating security in Lebanon through military cooperation," Hollande added.

For his part, Berri said he discussed with Hollande military aid to the Lebanese army, the demarcation of the maritime border, terrorism and the regional tension.

Hollande arrived at the Rafik Hariri Beirut International Airport on Saturday, the first leg of his Middle East tour which also includes Egypt and Jordan. Endit