BEIRUT, Sept. 20 -- French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that France is completely committed to implementing all decisions issued within CEDRE conference last year, a statement by Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad Hariri's office said.
"We are giving Lebanon the chance to adopt ambitious reforms for it to restore its economic prosperity with the support of its international partners," Macron said during his meeting with Hariri at Elysee Palace in Paris.
Macron said that he is happy to have agreed with the Lebanese government to unlock 10 billion U.S. dollars in loans and donations offered by CEDRE as soon as possible which will allow the cabinet to implement electricity and infrastructure projects.
Macron also vowed to help Lebanon in finding a permanent solution that would allow Syrian refugees to return to their homeland.
Meanwhile, Hariri said that the Lebanese government has started implementing structural reforms.
"What we are looking for now is the launching of investments in Lebanon," he said.
Hariri added that Lebanon will buy French military equipment to enhance Lebanon's defense and security capabilities.
"We will use much of this equipment to strengthen our maritime forces and improve our air and maritime transport," he said.
He added that this investment is necessary to protect Lebanon's oil and gas wealth.
Hariri said that Lebanon is committed to UN Security Council Resolution 1701 which guarantees the protection of security and stability on the country's southern suburbs.
Hariri traveled to Paris on Thursday in a bid to meet with Macron and other French officials to negotiate several matters in the interest of the two countries, including CEDRE reforms and investments.