The French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, who is on a two-day visit to Lebanon, met with the leaders of the Christian communities of Lebanon.  The Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I and the Prelate of the Armenian Prelacy of Lebanon bishop Shahe  Panosyan  were also at the meeting, reports the  Armenian News - NEWS.am based on the information provided by the press service of the Catholicosate of Cilicia.

During the meeting Jean-Marc Ayrault stated that France supports a close relationship with Lebanon, and expressed gratification that Lebanon managed to protect itself from possible dangers. The Minister stressed the importance of more active participation of the Christian communities in the political life of Lebanon.

Aram I noted that Christianity faces serious problems in the region. "Economic challenges, insecurity, terrorism, and emigration began to seriously affect peoples’ lives. It troubles not only the Christian world. It should be of a concern for the Arab world and Europe as well. The Middle East without Christians will have cultural and economic losses. Moreover, without coexistence of Christianity and Islam, the region will become the center of extremism. Therefore, we expect that France by means of its foreign policy will remind the Arab and Western officials about that danger, " said the Catholicos.