“We are convinced that this nation is a part of the French nation; because his friendship for the French resembles the friendship the French have between them. " This strong declaration does not date from Emmanuel Macron's spectacular visit to Beirut: on May 24, 1250, Louis IX, Saint Louis, then in Saint-Jean-d'Acre, expressed himself in these terms by delivering a charter of " special protection ”to Simân, Emir of the Maronites of Mount Lebanon. These Eastern Catholics attached to Rome, disciples of Saint Maron, who died at the beginning of the 5th century, came to greet him by the thousands. "We will do everything in all circumstances, declared the Crusader king, to do anything that will contribute to your prosperity." In return, the emir was urged to"To make the Lebanese people happy" . This shows if the political, cultural and religious links with this region of the Middle East are old.
On February 4, 1536, in the same spirit, but with stronger commercial intentions, François I signed
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