Prime Minister Tamam Salam said Tuesday that French President Francois Hollande confirmed that the Saudi grant will be implemented, stressing that arming the Lebanese army will started as of mid-December.

In an interview with al-Joumhouria daily, Salam revealed that European Union vowed to support Lebanon, pointing out that his visit aims to bolster ties between Lebanon and EU for the next stage.

The prime minister has sensed the Belgian enthusiasm to support Lebanon economically, since the country is passing through a delicate phase because of the Syrian refugees’ influx.