BEIRUT — Lebanon’s new foreign minister, Joe Rajji, met Thursday in Paris with his French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, on the sidelines of a ministerial conference on Syria. Barrot expressed hope that Lebanon would enter a new phase accompanied by much-needed reforms, including difficult ones, according to a statement relayed by Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA).

The two ministers discussed bilateral relations, with Rajji thanking France for its continued support in various sectors, including an upcoming conference France plans to organize for Lebanon. They also explored the possibility of dedicating part of the conference to coordinating international support for the Lebanese Army.

Rajji also met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Atti, who reaffirmed Egypt’s full support for Lebanon. Abdel Atti stressed that Egypt continues to relay key messages to various parties regarding the full implementation of U.N. Resolution 1701— which ended the 2006 war in Lebanon and is the base of the current cease-fire agreement. He also stressed the importance of Israel’s complete withdrawal from southern Lebanon, following the truce that took effect on Nov. 27.

Additionally, Rajji held talks with Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammad bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi, who reiterated Qatar’s commitment to supporting Lebanon on political, economic and social issues, particularly regarding displaced Syrian nationals in Lebanon.

Rajji also met with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid al-Zayani, with discussions focusing on similar topics.