Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, have discussed the situation in southern Lebanon following the recently announced ceasefire, Al Jazeera reports citing the Lebanese presidency.

During a phone call, the two leaders reviewed developments in Lebanon and the wider region in light of the recent US-Iran negotiations in Switzerland.

They also discussed “the situation in the south following the announcement of the ceasefire and the subsequent steps,” the presidency says.

The conversation has addressed the future of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil), whose current mandate is due to expire as the mission approaches the end of its operations in Lebanon from the start of 2027.

According to the presidency, several European countries have expressed a desire to maintain forces in the international operational area after Unifil’s withdrawal, a proposal backed by Lebanon.

Macron says he will consult a number of countries on the issue and work to establish “the necessary framework for any international participation” before the withdrawal deadline.