Beirut:Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Minister Youssef Raggi met with Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie, to discuss recent developments in Lebanon and explore areas of cooperation between the organization and the Lebanese government.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, Mushikiwabo inquired about Lebanon's current situation and potential areas for support from the organization. She expressed a strong interest in identifying effective ways to assist Lebanon, describing the country as being close to the organization.
Minister Raggi highlighted the challenging circumstances Lebanon faces, pointing to Israeli attacks and Hezbollah's refusal to disarm. He reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to negotiations aimed at achieving an Israeli withdrawal and facilitating the return of residents to their villages. Additionally, Raggi urged the organization to promote the French language in Lebanon and support educational institutions that teach it, emphasizing their importance in strengthening cultural and educational connections with the Francophone world.
The discussions also included the upcoming Francophonie summit in Cambodia, with Raggi confirming Lebanon's high-level participation.
In a separate engagement in New York, Raggi submitted Lebanon's ratification of the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), making Lebanon the 101st party to the treaty. The agreement aims to enhance ocean governance and protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
