Lebanon's Mikati says he did not discuss Saudi on recent France visit

FILE PHOTO: Lebanon's Prime Minister-Designate Najib Mikati arrives to meet with Lebanon's president Michel Aoun at the presidential palace in Baabda, Lebanon September 10, 2021. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on Monday he did not discuss Saudi relations during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron last week.

Saudi Arabia and other Gulf monarchies have traditionally chanelled funds into Lebanon but they have been reluctant to do so during the country's financial crisis as they alarmed by the rise in influence of the Iran-backed armed Hezbollah group.