Beirut: French Ambassador to Beirut Herve Magro on Tuesday met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the Presidential Palace in Baabda to discuss preparations for French President Emmanuel Macron's upcoming visit to Lebanon on Friday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Magro emphasized the significance of the visit, highlighting the deep ties between Lebanon and France. He also conveyed Macron's concern about the current situation in Lebanon and congratulated President Aoun on the start of his term.

Aoun's election by the Lebanese parliament on Thursday ended over two years of political vacuum since President Michel Aoun left office in October 2022. The meeting also focused on the ongoing situation in southern Lebanon, particularly addressing the continued Israeli violations and the work of the cease-fire monitoring committee in the region.

The French Embassy's political advisor Romain Calvary and adviser Jean Aziz were also present during the meeting. Macron's anticipated visit marks the first trip by a head of state since Aoun's election last week.

Lebanese authorities have reported more than 520 Israeli violations of the cease-fire, resulting in the death of 37 people and injuries to 45 others. Under the cease-fire terms, Israel is required to withdraw its forces south of the Blue Line-a de facto border-in phases, while the Lebanese army is tasked with deploying in southern Lebanon within 60 days.

Data from the Lebanese Health Ministry indicates that since Israel's onslaught against Lebanon began on Oct. 8, 2023, at least 4,068 people have been killed, including women, children, and health workers, while 16,668 others have been injured.