Upon his arrival in Paris, President Joseph Aoun expressed his deep appreciation to France—its president, government, and people—for its continued support for Lebanon and its constitutional, military, and security institutions, affirming that this historic partnership between the two countries is acquiring exceptional importance today in light of the challenges facing Lebanon. President Aoun stressed that the Lebanese Army and the Internal Security Forces, along with other security agencies, constitute the sole guarantee for protecting the homeland, its sovereignty, and the security of its citizens, and that strengthening their human and logistical capabilities has become an utmost national priority that requires the concerted efforts of countries friendly to Lebanon. President Aoun concluded by affirming that his participation in the preparatory meeting for the international conference hosted by France to support the army and the Internal Security Forces falls within the framework of the Lebanese state's commitment to extending its authority, restricting arms to the legitimacy, and building a strong state capable of protecting its citizens and safeguarding regional stability. Regarding his anticipated meeting tomorrow with President Macron, President Aoun said that discussions will cover the preparatory meeting, the situation in Lebanon in general and in the South in particular in light of the continued Israeli attacks on southern villages and towns, in addition to the post-mission phase of the international forces operating in the South (UNIFIL), the course of Lebanese-American-Israeli negotiations, and the situation in the region. President Aoun praised the role played by Jordanian King Abdullah II in supporting Lebanon, noting that he has undertaken several initiatives in this regard, including the preparatory meeting to be held in the French capital. In response to a question about Lebanon's stance on the attempt to target Mecca, President Aoun said: I have followed with deep concern the developments related to the attempt to target Mecca, the qibla of Muslims in the east and west of the earth, and I strongly condemn the vicious attack attempt, which does not target Saudi Arabia alone, but rather violates the sanctity of holy sites that hold the meanings of faith and peace in the conscience of two billion Muslims. It is important for me to emphasize that targeting holy places, regardless of the pretexts or political calculations behind it, represents a violation of all religious and humanitarian norms, and necessitates a unified Arab and Islamic stance that puts an end to such practices that threaten the security and stability of the region. President Aoun expressed Lebanon's full solidarity with Saudi Arabia—its leadership, government, and people—and commended the vigilance of its armed forces in confronting this danger and warding off its harm from the guests of the House of God and those residing in the vicinity of the Two Holy Mosques.