Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has met with French presidential envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian and welcomed the assistance of friendly and brotherly countries to consolidate the ceasefire with Israel, the presidency says.

Aoun emphasised the “need to avoid giving Israel any pretexts for not withdrawing and that every effort in this regard will have positive” effects on the negotiations, the statement said.

On his part, Le Drian confirmed that his visit to Lebanon was to express French support and solidarity.