French President Macron's visit to Beirut marked a shift in international engagement with Lebanon's new administration. After morning meetings with Mikati, Macron announced France's airlines would resume flights to Beirut in February and pledged an international conference for Lebanon's reconstruction.
The day saw intense diplomatic activity at Baabda Palace, where President Aoun emphasized the restoration of global confidence in Lebanon. A private meeting between Macron and Speaker Berri addressed government formation prospects, with Berri showing unexpected flexibility regarding Shiite participation in the new cabinet.
PM-designate Salam, continuing his consultations, indicated he would soon announce cabinet compositions. By evening, the presidency reported "positive atmosphere" in government formation talks, while Macron insisted on state monopoly over arms and Israeli withdrawal from southern territories within agreed timeframes.