Minister of National Defense Elias Bou Saab welcomed on Monday French Ambassador to Lebanon, Bruno Foucher, who congratulated him upon assuming the defense ministry portfolio.

The pair discussed the situation in Lebanon and the region, as well as the longstanding relations between the two countries, especially the role played by France helping to strengthen and develop the capabilities of the Lebanese army.

The pair also discussed Bou Saab’s participation in Munich Security Conference scheduled for January 15-17 in Munich.

Bou Saab expressed his intention to meet with French Defense Minister Florence Parly on the sidelines of the conference.

French President Emmanuel Marcon’s anticipated visit to Lebanon by the end of the second quarter of this year also featured high on talks between the pair.

UNIFIL Commander, Major General Stefano Del Col, also had an audience with Bou Saab and congratulated on his new position. The situation along the Blue Line, the alleged tunnels issue, the construction of the separation wall along the Blue Line, and the Israeli violations had been discussed between Bou Saab and Del Col.