Prime Minister, Saad Hariri, issued the following statement on Thursday:

"Today, one of the greatest men of France has left us. A remarkable personality who played a decisive role in the management of Europe and the consolidation of its place in the international equations.

Former French President Jacques Chirac passed away, leaving behind a long history of achievements, to which our Arab and Lebanese causes testify. He supported the Palestinian people and its just causes. He held Lebanon's hand in the most difficult circumstances and was at the forefront in defending its freedom, independence and sovereignty.

If the Lebanese and the Arabs today feel the loss of a man who has had a profound impact on their conscience for many years, I feel, from my political and family position, a particular loss, that of a dear friend, who was the spiritual brother of Rafic Hariri and the big brother of the family, whom he has always supported. My country will never forget its white hands in support of Lebanon, its protection and progress.

On my behalf and on behalf of the Lebanese Government, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, to President Emmanuel Macron, who, like him, supports Lebanon, and to the French people, who loved Jacques Chirac and granted him its trust for many years".