The French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, was received by General Rodolph Haykal on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at the army headquarters in Yarzeh. (Credit: Photo X @Lebarmy) The French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, was received by General Rodolphe Haykal on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the army headquarters in Yarzeh. Photo X @Lebarmy
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, on an official visit to Lebanon as part of a regional tour, met Saturday in Beirut with Lebanese Army commander Gen. Rodolph Haykal, the military said in a statement posted on X. French Ambassador Herve Magro attended the meeting.
According to the statement, “the discussion focused on the general situation and latest developments in Lebanon and the region, the army’s needs to strengthen its capabilities … as well as preparations for the upcoming international conference in Paris to support the Lebanese Army.”
The conference is scheduled for March 5 and is expected to draw representatives from numerous countries.
The Lebanese Army is at the center of both domestic and international attention because of the role it is expected to play in disarming militias, particularly Hezbollah, which has been significantly weakened following its latest conflict with Israel in 2023-24. The mission is the subject of two Cabinet decisions adopted last August.
According to the military, it has already taken control of the area south of the Litani River and is beginning the second phase of its plan to bring all weapons under state authority.
Haykal recently returned from an official visit to the United States.
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