The exhibition "Byblos, an Ancient City" was opened at the Arab World Institute in Paris, in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron.

The opening ceremony was attended by prominent French figures, including Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister of Culture Catherine Beigbeder, Institute President Anne-Claire Legrand, Louvre Museum Director Christophe Leribault, and the Governor of Île-de-France, Marc Guillaume.

From the Lebanese side, attendees included Minister of Culture Ghassan Salameh, Ambassador Rabih Al-Shaer, President of the Lebanese-French Parliamentary Friendship Committee MP Simon Abi Ramia, MP Ziad El Hawat, Governor of the Central Bank Karim Souaid, Mayor of Byblos Dr. Joseph Al-Chami, municipal council member Shadi Khoury, and various cultural and economic figures.

In a speech on behalf of President Joseph Aoun, Salameh emphasized the deep Lebanese-French relations and France’s constant support for Lebanon, expressing hope that this support would continue to help build the future.

Macron and Lebanese Culture Minister Ghassan Salameh during the opening of the exhibition in Paris (AFP).

President Emmanuel Macron

For his part, Macron affirmed France’s full support for Lebanon, the Lebanese government, and President Aoun, noting that the friendship between Lebanon and France is unwavering.

He said: "Lebanon carries a fundamental message for the world: the possibility of living together. This explains the unique relationship between Lebanon and France. Lebanon embodies the idea of coexistence despite religious and cultural differences, within a shared national project based on respect. In a time when conflicts are rising, Lebanon reminds us of the strength of this model, the importance of international law, and the possibility of achieving peace. This is why France stands with Lebanon, not only out of friendship or loyalty, but because its cause is just."

Macron continued: "We reject anything that threatens Lebanon’s security or sovereignty, and we affirm that nothing justifies the violation of its territory. We also reaffirm our commitment to international law and our rejection of any double standards in its application."

During the opening of the exhibition in Paris (AFP).

Macron also affirmed, "Our full support is with you, Minister, with your government, and with the President of the Republic. We will continue providing humanitarian assistance, working to stop the fighting, and restoring Lebanon’s full sovereignty," pointing out that "peace can only be achieved within this framework, and no occupation or colonization can provide security for any party."

He added: "I am here today to express appreciation, respect, and friendship, and to congratulate everyone who contributed to the success of this exhibition—the Arab World Institute, the Louvre Museum, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, your partners, and all the teams in France and Lebanon, especially the Byblos site, as well as the institutions and supporters who made this remarkable exhibition possible. It is also a reaffirmation that France, through the Arab World Institute and my Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Culture, wants to continue its commitment alongside Lebanon."

Macron continued: "We have made decisions and confirmed investments, especially to continue working on heritage protection, supporting researchers, and strengthening the exceptional scientific and museum cooperation between our countries, allowing these civilizations to be discovered, understood, and flourish. We are carrying out this work in coordination with your ministries, with UNESCO, and with the Orient-Occident Foundation, within this unique geography that connects us, which enables France to play this special role in culture and in its relationship with your country.

This exhibition symbolically reflects Lebanon’s destiny in this region: the ability to resist empires, not through force, but through creativity, culture, innovation, and the capacity for civilizational dialogue. Lebanon, as shown in this exhibition, is a country that blends civilizations and presents an alternative face to violence—a face of civilization and intellect. This is what unites us."

Some of the artifacts on display at the exhibition (AFP).

He continued: "The second lesson from Byblos is a lesson of contemporary resilience. The exhibition, originally scheduled for 2024, was postponed due to the war, yet it was completed despite the challenges. This proves that nothing can stand in the way of culture, nor in the way of the determination of researchers and professionals striving to uncover and share the truth."

Macron concluded his speech by saying: "I would like to express my gratitude to all of you for this exhibition, which embodies two great lessons: the resilience of civilizations and humanity’s determination to protect culture. Let us hold on to these values—culture, beauty, thought, and the rule of law. They are not only contemporary values but the only ones that endure through time. Be proud to carry them, and know that France will always stand by you, and that the friendship between France and Lebanon is unwavering."

Byblos, an Ancient City” exhibition in Paris (AFP).