France–Lebanon relations

Lebanese-French relations

Lebanon
France

France–Lebanon relations are the international relations between the Lebanese Republic and the French Republic. France, the former colonial power, enjoys friendly relations with Lebanon and has often provided support to the Lebanese.[1][2] French language is widely spoken fluently throughout Lebanon and is taught as well as used as a medium of education in many Lebanese schools.

Military relations

Historically, the relation between the French Armed Forces and the Lebanese Armed Forces is very friendly, close and tight. After 1990, France continued to give Lebanon a modest military assistance. During the French-Lebanese military drill Cedre Bleu, French officials discussed a possible donation of 2 chalands de transport de matériel (CTMs) and HOT missiles, the deal was never accomplished. On December 2013, President Michel Suleiman announced that Saudi Arabia has decided to donate three billion dollars with the aim of purchasing French weapons for the Lebanese army. On February 2015, Saudi Arabia halted the $3 billion program for the supplies of French weapons to Lebanon.

Economic relations

Since the end of the Lebanese civil war, France has played an active role in the reconstruction of Lebanon. France also played a major role in rebuilding after Lebanon's 2006 war with Israel.[3]

Political

In 2007, French President Nicolas Sarkozy ordered ties with Syria to be suspended until proof Damascus was not interfering in the Lebanese political crisis was established.[4] A week after Sarkozy's statement in Cairo, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem announced Syria was ceasing their ties with France.[5] "Syria has decided to cease cooperation with France on the Lebanese crisis" said Mouallem. In July 2008, France and Syria decided to open embassies in each other's countries.[6]

In April 2009, French and Lebanese officials approved the framework of a security agreement that besides improving bilateral relations include drugs and arms trafficking, illegal immigration and cyber-crime.[7]

See also

References

Bibliography


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