Aoun from Paris: Lebanon must capitalize on rare opportunity to rebuild state

French President Emmanuel Macron, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, King Abdullah II of Jordan and senior military officials from their countries and partner nations, such as Britain and the United States, met Thursday in Paris to discuss international support for the cash-strapped Lebanese army.

The French presidency said the aim of the Paris talks was to review a Lebanese armed forces deployment plan based on a "clear, credible and realistic" framework as a prerequisite for what it hopes will be "robust" international support, whether in the form of financial assistance, equipment or training.

Aoun said the meeting is taking place at a pivotal moment in the history of Lebanon and the region. He said there is a clear political will in Lebanon today to rebuild the state, restore the role of its institutions, and move forward with the reforms the country needs.

"At the same time, the region is undergoing profound shifts that could, if we handle them wisely, offer an opportunity to build a new reality different from what we have known over past decades."

"For the first time, this internal Lebanese will to rebuild the state is met with regional and international support," he went on to say.

Aoun stressed that the opportunity may not last long; therefore, Lebanon must capitalize on it and seize the moment to place the country "on a different trajectory, founded on a strong state and effective institutions."

Before the meeting, Aoun held talks with his French counterpart. He discussed with him efforts to halt Israeli aggression in light of the U.S.-sponsored negotiations with Israel and the framework agreement.