Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi received on Saturday a cable from French President Francois Hollande thanking him for congratulating him on his election as president and highlighting the depth of France’s ties with the Maronite church. He added: “France will always stand by Lebanon against all challenges in a region that is witnesses several changes.” “It will do so by defending joint principles and developing cooperation in the service of the institutions and state in Lebanon,” he continued.

Hollande also emphasized the importance of dialogue to that end.

Furthermore, he noted that France has continued to support Lebanon’s stability and sovereignty through its participation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and support to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.