What will French FM discuss Friday in Beirut?

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot is scheduled to arrive in Beirut on Thursday evening to meet with President Joseph Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, and Army chief Rodolphe Haykal.

Al-Liwaa newspaper said the talks will discuss the preparations for an international conference to support the Lebanese Army, set to be held in Paris on March 5, with approximately 50 countries expected to attend.

Barrot will also discuss with Lebanese officials the work of the ceasefire monitoring committee, border security, Israeli strikes, reforms, and the UNIFIL's mission which will end in December 2026.

Another report, published Wednesday in ad-Diyar newspaper, said Barrot's visit also aims to keep Lebanon out of the regional conflict as threats intensify between the U.S. and Iran.

Ad-Diyar claimed that diplomatic talks are ongoing between the French Embassy and Hezbollah, with the last contact taking place last week. No official meetings are currently scheduled between Barrot and Hezbollah, the daily added.