Jordan, France, Lebanon leaders meet in Paris to discuss support for Lebanese army

The leaders of Lebanon, Jordan and France discussed ways Thursday to strengthen cooperation and support the Lebanese army and Internal Security Forces amid continued regional tensions, according to the Lebanese presidency, Anadolu reports.

The talks between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Jordan’s King Abdullah II and French President Emmanuel Macron took place at Les Invalides in Paris, ahead of a preparatory session for an international conference supporting Lebanon’s army and security forces.

They discussed ways to deepen coordination and cooperation among the three countries in areas of mutual interest.

They also reviewed the importance of France hosting a new round of the Aqaba Process meetings focused on supporting the Lebanese army and strengthening its ability to carry out its duties in protecting the country’s security, alongside the Internal Security Forces.

Abdullah launched the Aqaba Process in 2015 to strengthen coordination, cooperation and the exchange of expertise among regional and international partners in combating terrorism and extremism.

The meeting also addressed regional escalation, with the three leaders stressing the need to intensify international efforts toward comprehensive, sustainable de-escalation to restore stability to the region.

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They also discussed developments in the Gaza Strip, the occupied West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem, according to the statement.

The occupied West Bank has witnessed escalating attacks by Israeli forces and occupiers, while Israel has continued to violate a ceasefire agreement in Gaza reached last October under US President Donald Trump’s sponsorship.

Aoun stressed that security in the region is interconnected and encouraged developing a regional security strategy based on shared energy projects and economic, security and political cooperation.

Israel has carried out aggressions on Lebanon since March 2, killing at least 4,381 victims, injuring 12,402, and displacing more than 1 million, according to Lebanese authorities.

The attacks have continued despite a June 26 framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel, reached under US auspices, providing for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory in exchange for the deployment of the Lebanese army and the disarmament of armed groups, including Hezbollah.

Israel occupies areas in southern Lebanon, some for decades and others seized during the 2023-2024 war, while its forces advanced more than 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) into Lebanese territory during the latest incursion.

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