French Ambassador to Lebanon Anne Grillo met yesterday with President Michel Aoun to discuss the details of the Saudi-French agreement for funding projects to assist the Lebanese people. A statement from the presidency mentioned that Grillo informed President Aoun about "the details of the agreement reached between French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan during their meeting in Paris a few days ago, to fund several initial humanitarian projects to help the Lebanese people." These projects specifically aim to provide direct assistance to several hospitals and primary healthcare centers in Lebanon, improve healthcare directed at combating the COVID-19 pandemic, and support some basic educational institutions. Additionally, it includes contributions to fund organizations working on distributing infant formula and food to the most affected groups.
Aoun and Grillo also discussed the importance of Lebanese-French relations, the military developments between Russia and Ukraine, and Lebanon's position in the session held by the United Nations General Assembly regarding this conflict and the resolutions that were issued. The conversation also touched on the issue of maritime border demarcation with Israel and the ongoing preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections in May.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan had agreed with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian during their meeting in Paris on February 28 to provide emergency financial support for a series of humanitarian projects dedicated to supporting the Lebanese people.
