French President Emmanuel Macron is set to have a second visit to Lebanon today, which came less than a month after his first visit when the massive explosion destroyed Beirut Port.
According to Elysee Palace, Macron will start his visit by meeting with Lebanese veteran Fairuz.
The French President is expected to arrive to Lebanon at 6:30 pm today, Monday, on an official visit to join Lebanese people on the centenary of Greater Lebanon.
At first, it was reported that Emmanuel Macron will enjoy a cup of coffee with Fairuz, but after details of the visit were unfolded, it was revealed that the casual visit has turned into a State Banquet in Antelias on Monday evening, joined by the French ambassador to Lebanon, Bruno Foucher.
According to sources close to Fairuz , the French-Fairuzian session is expected to last about two hours, including a dinner in honor of the French guest.
Unfortunately, up to this point, no media coverage will be allowed to document the visit, which many described as historic, at the request of Fairuz’s daughter, Rima Rahbani, to prevent overcrowding in light of the spread of Coronavirus, although there is Arab and foreign interest to cover this distinct event.
The meeting will culminate in President Macron awarding singer Fairuz 'Ordre National DE La Legion D''Honneur,' the highest official honor in France, which was introduced by the French leader Napoleon Bonaparte on May 19, 1802.
"Macron wants to visit Fairouz because of the symbolism she represents to Lebanon and the Arab world ... it is a very personal endeavor on the part of the President of the French Republic, given his admiration and personal influence by Mrs. Fairouz .. She also embodies a story in itself, especially for the French and everyone who remembers her concerts in the Olympia and Percy theaters, and that sentimental tendency that arose in the most difficult times Lebanon went through." Statement by Elysee Palace.
The French embassy had invited Fairuz to meet Macron at Al-Sanawbar Palace to honor her, but she apologized for not leaving her home and invited him to visit her instead at the time.
