French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Elysee Palace, in Paris. EPA
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Elysee Palace, in Paris. EPA
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Elysee Palace, in Paris. EPA
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Elysee Palace, in Paris. EPA

Saudi Crown Prince and France's Emmanuel Macron call for end to Lebanon 'political vacuum'


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Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday called for a "rapid end to the institutional political vacuum in Lebanon".

The leaders met in Paris and Mr Macron had been expected to seek support from the Saudi Crown Prince to find a solution in the search for a new president in Lebanon.

Lebanon has been without a head of state for more than seven months, amid bitter divisions between the Iran-backed Hezbollah and its opponents.

The stalemate has caused increasing exasperation for France, the former colonial power that has close economic and political ties with Beirut.

Lebanese MPs on Wednesday failed for a 12th time to elect a new president.

The prolonged absence of a president "remains the major obstacle to resolving the country's severe socio-economic crisis", the French presidency said after the meeting between the two men in Paris.

Mr Macron and Prince Mohammed "also reiterated their shared commitment to security and stability in the Near and Middle East and expressed their desire to pursue their joint efforts to bring about a lasting easing of tensions".

The two intend to "develop and deepen the partnership between the two countries".

France is prepared "to support Saudi Arabia in strengthening its defence capabilities" and Mr Macron stressed "the willingness of French companies to continue to support Saudi Arabia in implementing its ambitious Vision 2030", the kingdom's economic and social reform agenda.

Prince Mohammed began an official visit to France on Wednesday to meet several French leaders and discuss the kingdom's bid to host the World Expo 2030.

The Saudi Crown Prince will attend the June 22-23 Summit for a New Global Financing Pact hosted by Mr Macron.

How being social media savvy can improve your well being

Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.

As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.

Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.

Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.

Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.

However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.

“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.

People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.

Updated: June 17, 2023, 5:31 AM