The French embassy stated that Ambassador Anne Grillo conducted a tour in the eastern part of the country, specifically in the Bekaa Valley, on the 20th and 21st of this month. This marked her first official visit to the Baalbek-Hermel Governorate. The visit provided an opportunity to observe the progress made in the implementation of various projects thanks to the efforts of Lebanese individuals who are mobilizing their resources to find tangible and sustainable solutions for the inhabitants of the area, who are suffering greatly due to the crisis. It also aimed to maintain social cohesion, particularly through the preservation of access to high-quality education, and to contribute to the renewal of the local productive fabric and the creation of job opportunities, supported by France.
Ambassador Grillo met with officials and students at the "Free Minds" school in Hermel, the Maqased school in Arsal, and the Sacred Hearts school in Zahle, all of whom are deeply involved in Francophone educational projects. She also observed the advancements in agricultural production sector development projects, supported by French cooperation in the region, especially the "Gardens" and "Beit al-Nahl" projects.
As part of France's ongoing commitment to the stability and security of Lebanon, Grillo visited the 6th Infantry Brigade of the Lebanese Armed Forces in Ain Bourdaj. She also visited the makeshift camp in Marj before heading to Zahle. Grillo met with local and religious authorities in the area, notably the Bekaa Governor Kamel Abu Joudeh, Baalbek-Hermel Governor Bashir Khadr, and the Archbishop of Ferzol, Zahle, and the Bekaa for the Melkite Greek Catholics.
These meetings provided a chance to address France's commitment to this region of Lebanon, which faces numerous challenges, in addition to local development issues. Grillo emphasized during these meetings the "urgent need to reach a solution to the political crisis in Lebanon, as this is a primary and essential step towards reviving the country and responding to the needs of the Lebanese people."
