French FM Le Drian meets Lebanon President Aoun

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian held talks with Lebanon's president and prime minister Thursday at the start of his two-day visit to the Mediterranean country that is witnessing the worst economic crisis of its modern history. Le Drian is the first Western official to visit Lebanon since the crisis, which has been unfolding since last year.

It has deepened since the government defaulted on its debt, the onset of coronavirus restrictions and stalled talks with the International Monetary Fund over an economic rescue plan.

Le Drian met with President Michel Aoun, then Prime Minister Hassan Diab. He was scheduled to meet other Lebanese officials before his departure Friday.

Le Drian had appealed to Lebanese officials to carry out needed reforms, calling on them "to help us help you" during a recent session in France's Parliament.

France, the former colonial power in Lebanon, is also the leading Western nation involved in planning efforts to help the Lebanese economy out of its dire straits.