The French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, leaving the presidential palace in Paris, France, on July 16, 2025. (Archive photo: Ludovic Marin/AFP
L'Orient-Le Jour has learned that French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot is expected in Beirut on Friday, Feb. 6, as part of a regional tour that also includes Syria and Iraq.
He is expected to meet with President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Army Chief Rodolph Haykal.
The minister is expected to discuss preparations for the conference in support of the army scheduled in Paris on March 5, as well as the renewal of support from France and the international community for the government’s efforts on disarmament.
Barrot’s visit will also come just before the Cabinet meeting during which Haykal is expected to present his vision for the second phase of the Hezbollah disarmament plan, which concerns the region between the Litani and Awali rivers.
Barrot’s last visit to Lebanon dates back to December 2024, just before Aoun’s election as president.
Coincidentally, Barrot’s visit will take place just a few days before a delegation from the International Monetary Fund arrives in Beirut on Feb. 9 to continue discussions with Lebanon on the reforms the country must launch if it wants to secure a financial assistance program.
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