The Lebanese President, Joseph Aoun (right), meeting the special envoy from the Élysée for Lebanon, Jean-Yves Le Drian, in Baabda in the presence of the French ambassador to Beirut, Hervé Magro, on March 26, 2025. (Credit: X/@LebPresidency)
President Joseph Aoun said Wednesday that the implementation of administrative reforms demanded by the international community to pull Lebanon out of the economic crisis ongoing since 2019 "will send a positive message domestically and abroad," during a meeting with the Élysée's special envoy for Lebanon, Jean-Yves Le Drian, at Baabda Palace. Aoun also discussed the situation in south Lebanon and his upcoming trip to Paris.
After playing a key role in Lebanon's presidential election, which helped elect a head of state after more than two years of deadlock, Le Drian was tasked by Paris with overseeing the country's reconstruction efforts following 13 months of war between Hezbollah and Israel. His mission is to support Lebanon's reconstruction process alongside state-building efforts under the leadership of President Aoun and the prime minister.
Having arrived in Beirut on Tuesday evening, Le Drian went to Baabda Palace on Wednesday morning, accompanied by the French ambassador to Beirut, Hervé Magro, reported the state-run National News Agency (NNA).
During his meeting with Le Drian, President Aoun stated that "meetings have been held with the International Monetary Fund to implement the reforms Lebanon needs."
"The administrative reforms that will be implemented will send a positive message both internally in Lebanon and abroad," he stated.
Last week the Cabinet approved a mechanism to carry out administrative appointments based on the candidates' qualifications, as a series of high-ranking positions in the Lebanese administration are to be filled.
"Reforms are among the priorities, alongside the reconstruction of villages destroyed by Israeli strikes during the last war," added Aoun.
The armed conflict between Hezbollah and Israel began on Oct. 8, 2023, and ended when the cease-fire came into effect on Nov. 27, 2024. Large swathes of the country were affected, and entire villages in south Lebanon were razed by the Israeli army, while much of the southern suburbs of Beirut was destroyed. The World Bank finalized its report on the damage and losses incurred by Lebanon as a result of this war in early March. It estimated the total damage to the areas affected by Israeli bombardments at $6.8 billion, with economic losses estimated at $7.2 billion for the entire country. It also estimated the cost of recovery and reconstruction at $11 billion "in the short and medium term."
Aoun in Paris on Friday
Aoun also discussed the details of his visit to Paris, scheduled for Friday, during which he is to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron "to thank him again for the role he played in supporting Lebanon ... particularly in unblocking the presidential election."
"We will continue working to regain confidence on the internal Lebanese scene and beyond ... thanks, among other things, to France's support and Macron's actions in this regard," the president said.
Paris is expected to host a conference between April and May to secure funding for reconstruction.
Regarding the situation in south Lebanon, Aoun pointed to "Israeli violations of the cease-fire agreement put in place last November, as well as the occupation of five hills and the imprisonment of Lebanese people by Israel during the last war." He called for "pressure to be put on Israel" to put an end to these violations. Aoun also discussed with Le Drian the situation on the border between Lebanon and Syria.
Israel has been stepping up strikes in south Lebanon and the Bekaa despite the cease-fire that came into effect on Nov. 27. Two Israeli drone strikes targeted the Shaara area in the Anti-Lebanon mountain range bordering Lebanon and Syria on Wednesday morning. Israel also maintains a presence in five strategic locations in south Lebanon.
Continuing his tour, Le Drian also met with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam at the Grand Serail, as well as Foreign Minister Joe Rajji. The French envoy then traveled to Ain al-Tineh to meet with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.
Emmanuel Macron visited Beirut on Jan. 17, just nine days after the former army chief assumed the Lebanese presidency. This was followed four days later by the appointment of Salam as prime minister, marking a breakthrough in the political situation in Lebanon after nearly two years of executive instability.