Lebanon remains a bridge between East and West, President Aoun tells ambassadors of Francophone countries
Photo: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is shown with ambassadors of Francophone countries at the Baabda Palace
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun affirmed to a delegation of ambassadors from Francophone countries that Lebanon has always been and will continue to be a bridge between East and West.
He emphasized that French remains the country's second language after Arabic, describing it as a language of culture, dialogue, modernity, and values.
On the occasion of International Francophonie Day, Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon's deep ties to Francophone values, emphasizing that being Francophone goes beyond language to embody principles of reason, sovereignty, and individual freedoms.
'We are Francophones, and to be Francophone means standing with reason against all madness, and with the citizen, not the ruler,' Aoun stated.
Aoun further elaborated on the philosophical and political foundations of Francophonie, highlighting the balance between faith and secularism.
'To be Francophone means being both believers and secular at the same time—giving to God what is God's and to Caesar what is Caesar's,' he said, referencing the principle of separating religious and political authority.
Expanding on the political ideals associated with Francophone thought, Aoun stressed the importance of state sovereignty and democratic principles.
Francophone countries are those that designate French as an official language or whose people primarily speak French.
Lebanon's status as a Francophone country stems from the French Mandate for Syria and Lebanon after World War I , which led to the French language becoming a second language of instructions
After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, Lebanon and Syria were placed under a French mandate by the League of Nations, giving France control over their foreign affairs.This mandate led to significant French cultural and linguistic influence, including the establishment of French educational institutions and the promotion of French as a language of instruction and administration.
The roots of French influence can be traced back to the 19th century when French Jesuits established schools and Saint Joseph University in Lebanon, further solidifying the French presence.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
MTV Lebanon
6 hours ago
- MTV Lebanon
20 Jun 2025 17:48 PM Aoun broaches latest developments with visitors
President of the Republic Joseph Aoun received at Baabda Palace, former President Michel Sleiman, with whom he held a tour d'horizon on current developments locally, regionally, and internationally. President Sleiman said that he and the President of the Republic focused on "the necessity of keeping Lebanon away from what is happening between Iran and Israel, especially since Lebanon has already suffered greatly from the conflicts in the region." President Sleiman stressed on "the unified Lebanese position at this critical stage and the necessity of focusing on the country's supreme interest and what serves Lebanon only." Sleiman was also briefed on the outcome of the visit of the US President's envoy, Thomas Barrack. The discussion also addressed the social, economic, and daily living conditions ahead of summer season, with the hope that "the escalation will cease so that the tourist season would not be affected." President Aoun also received at Baabda Palace, Palestinian Ambassador to Lebanon, Ashraf Dabbour, who said after on emerging that "the Palestinian situation and the ongoing Israeli aggression against our people in the Palestinian territories were reviewed during the meeting." Ambassador Dabour affirmed "the Palestinian people and their leadership's respect for Lebanon's sovereignty and the extension of its authority over all its territories, including the Palestinian camps, in accordance with the inaugural address and the joint presidential statement during the Lebanese-Palestinian summit, and their commitment to joint cooperation and full coordination with the Lebanese state." President Aoun later received Miss Lebanon Nada Kousa in the presence of Tourism Minister Laura Khazen Lahoud. President Aoun congratulated Miss Lebanon Kousa on her success in the Miss World competition in India, qualifying for the top 20 contestants and ranking fifth in the Miss Asia and Oceania category.
MTV Lebanon
6 hours ago
- MTV Lebanon
Salam broaches national issues, district conditions with Grand Serail itinerant visitors
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam received MP Antoine Habchi, at the Grand Serail. On emerging, MP Habchi said: "At the beginning of the meeting, I thanked His Excellency for his visit to the Baalbek-Hermel region, where he announced from there that the cannabis law, its implementing decrees, and the regulatory body would be put on track as soon as possible." Habchi added: "I also commended Prime Minister Salam's speech regarding Lebanon's sovereignty and his commitment to the ministerial statement and the basic principles contained in the inaugural speech regarding the Lebanese state's full sovereignty over its territory." Premier Salam also met with MP Osama Saad, who said after the meeting that "the discussion addressed general developments in light of the repeated Israeli attacks on Lebanon and the occupation of parts of its territory, in addition to the simmering daily living conditions and demands, particularly in the city of Sidon, as a result of the worsening socio-economic crisis." MP Saad added that the discussion also addressed the Palestinian dossier, especially the conditions in the Palestinian camps.
MTV Lebanon
6 hours ago
- MTV Lebanon
UN Peacekeeping Chief reaffirms UNIFIL's role as he concludes visit
United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, concluded a visit to Lebanon today as part of a planned tour to the region. Key highlights included his meetings with senior Lebanese officials, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Lebanon, UNIFIL leadership, and fellow peacekeepers. This was his last official meeting with outgoing Head of Mission and Force Commander Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lázaro. He visited and saw firsthand some of Lebanese areas near the Blue Line that were hardest hit by the recent conflict. The UN peacekeeping chief, onboard a UNIFIL Maritime Task Force ship, also inspected the area of maritime operation off the coast of Naqoura. Throughout his engagements, Mr. Lacroix reaffirmed the crucial role of UNIFIL in maintaining lasting stability in south Lebanon and the mission's critical support to the parties in the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701. He acknowledged the delicate nature of the current relative calm along the Blue Line and stressed the importance of preserving and consolidating it, especially in light of concerning regional developments. In meetings with Lebanese officials, Mr. Lacroix underscored UNIFIL's vital role – together with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) – in sustaining the cessation of hostilities understanding and advancing the implementation of resolution 1701. "In all my engagements, I underscored the importance of continued political support for the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 as a prerequisite for peace and security in the region," said Mr. Lacroix. "I also reaffirmed the Mission's commitment to supporting local communities, helping the parties implement Resolution 1701, and working in close coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces as they continue their redeployment in southern Lebanon." The peacekeeping chief also expressed appreciation for the work of UN peacekeepers operating under the increasingly complex and challenging conditions, and reaffirmed the UN's unwavering support for peace and security for all civilians affected by the conflict.
