National Defense Minister, Yacoub Riad Al-Sarraf, on Friday arrived in the French capital, Paris, on a preparatory visit to the Rome II Conference to be taking place in support of the army and security forces upcoming week in Italy.

Minister Sarraf held talks with his French counterpart, Florence Parly. 

Discussions touched on the bilateral ties between the two countries and means of bolstering cooperation between the Lebanese and French armies. Talks also covered ongoing preparations for the Rome II Conference.

The meeting also dwelt on the current situation in the region and its impact on the Lebanese arena, notably the Syrian refugees' crisis and its repercussions on Lebanon at the socio-economic levels.

Minister Sarraf also shed light on the Israeli recurrent violations of Lebanese sovereignty, amid its attempts to seize the oil wealth and build a concrete wall on Lebanese territories. 

Sarraf relayed to his French counterpart Lebanon's firm position rejecting any infringement or aggression on Lebanon's wealth and sovereignty.

The Minister stressed that the Lebanese army, which has won over terrorism in a qualitative operation, is capable of protecting its borders and land. 

He also indicated that Lebanon pins great hopes on international conferences, especially the Rome II conference.