Lebanon’s Prime Minister Hassan Diab tried to “soften the rhetoric” with the French side, after his harsh criticism against French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian last week.
In remarks on Thursday, Diab announced that France’s offer to provide technical assistance at the financial level “is being studied” and emphasized the deep-rooted relations between the two countries.
The premier was speaking following a meeting at the Grand Serail with a French delegation that included Chargé D'Affaires Salina Grenet-Catalano, Advisor Ines Ben Karim, and Head of Economic Affairs department François De Ricolfis.
Diab expressed “Lebanon’s aspiration to strengthen cooperation between the two countries… especially in the framework of international organizations.”
He also said that Le Drian’s visit came “in the context of the historical relationship that links the two countries together.”
The premier’s comments came days after he harshly criticized Le Drian, accusing him of having “incomplete information” on the reform paths adopted by his government.
He reportedly told a cabinet meeting that the French minister’s warning and “lack of information” about government reforms indicated an “international decision not to assist Lebanon.” Diab has later deleted a tweet stating the same.
