French President Emmanuel Macron said that "Lebanon has lost a bright face, with the passing of Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir, while France has lost a dear friend."
In a cable of condolences sent to President Michel Aoun, Macron stressed "the importance of the Lebanese drawing inspiration from the legacy he has left, especially in the face of the challenges that beset your country."
In the message delivered by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian who was welcomed by President Aoun in Baabda on Thursday afternoon, Macron emphasized France's continued support for Lebanon.