Barrot in Beirut for LAF donor conference

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot is scheduled to visit Beirut on 5 February 2026 as part of a broader regional tour that also includes Syria and Iraq.

The visit comes at a critical moment for Lebanon, as the country navigates political, security, and economic challenges while seeking sustained international support. Barrot’s meetings with senior Lebanese officials are expected to focus on preparations for an upcoming international conference in Paris aimed at supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), alongside discussions on disarmament efforts, institutional reforms, and regional security developments.

Strengthening political and diplomatic coordination

During his visit, Barrot is expected to hold talks with President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister (PM) Nawaf Salam, Foreign Minister (FM) Youssef Rajji, and LAF Commander General Rodolphe Haykal, if the latter has returned from Washington. The meetings are anticipated to reaffirm France’s longstanding diplomatic engagement with Lebanon and its efforts to mobilize international backing for the country’s state institutions.

The visit also reflects Paris’s broader strategy of maintaining active diplomatic involvement in Lebanon’s internal and regional affairs. French officials have repeatedly stressed the importance of strengthening Lebanon’s governance structures and preserving political stability, particularly as the country prepares for major political and security milestones.

Preparations for the Paris Conference on military support

The central focus of Barrot’s discussions will be the international conference scheduled to take place in Paris on 5 March 2026, which aims to secure financial, logistical, and technical assistance for the LAF and Internal Security Forces (ISF). French officials expect the meeting to draw representatives from around 50 countries and some 10 international and regional organizations, highlighting growing international interest in supporting Lebanon’s security institutions and the priority given to bolstering its capabilities,

French diplomatic efforts are reportedly underway to assess the operational needs of Lebanon’s security agencies, particularly the ISF, to enable them to assist the army in maintaining internal stability. Such coordination would allow the military to concentrate more effectively on border security and external threats, particularly in southern Lebanon where tensions remain high due to ongoing Israeli military activity.

Disarmament efforts and security challenges

Barrot’s visit is also expected to coincide with internal Lebanese discussions regarding the second phase of the state’s plan to consolidate weapons under official authority. The plan focuses on extending state control over areas between the Litani and Awali rivers, a development widely viewed as a significant test of Lebanon’s ability to implement security reforms.

French officials have consistently supported initiatives aimed at reinforcing state sovereignty and strengthening the LAF’s capacity to manage national security responsibilities. Additionally, discussions are likely to address the role of the Military Technical Committee for Lebanon (MTC4L), the future of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and the broader regional security environment. These issues are paramount given the ongoing tensions along the border as well as UNIFIL’s expected withdrawal by the end of 2026 (with talks revolving around deploying an international force; which could potentially involve French troops).

French diplomatic sources have dismissed reports suggesting that Barrot would deliver warnings to Lebanese officials regarding potential regional escalations involving Hezbollah. Instead, the visit is expected to emphasize dialogue, institutional support, and stability-building measures.

Economic reforms and international financial engagement

Barrot’s trip will take place just days before a delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) arrives in Beirut to continue negotiations over Lebanon’s economic reform program. France has been among the strongest international advocates for economic restructuring in Lebanon, linking financial assistance to progress in governance reforms and institutional transparency. The convergence of diplomatic and financial initiatives reflects a coordinated international approach aimed at stabilizing Lebanon’s economy while strengthening its security framework.

In conclusion, FM Jean-Noël Barrot’s upcoming visit underscores France’s continued commitment to supporting Lebanon during a period of significant political and economic uncertainty. By combining diplomatic engagement, security assistance, and economic advocacy, Paris appears determined to play a central role in mobilizing international support for Lebanon’s recovery.