Macron did not comment on whether whether punitive measures against Lebanon would be lifted.

 

The two leaders also urged the Lebanese government to "work in a normal way" and to "carry out useful reforms."

 

Riyadh and Paris also offered humanitarian assistance.

 

Khashoggi controversy clouds Macron visit

 

Macron became the first Western head of state to visit the Mohammed bin Salman since the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.

 

Khashoggi was a prominent US-based columnist and critic of Riyadh. He entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, and was never seen again.

 

The journalist was forcibly restrained, drugged and dismembered inside the consulate, while his wife waited for him outside. His remains have never been found.

 

In March the US published an intelligence report that said Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman approved the murder and dismemberment of Khashoggi. Saudi Arabian officials denied responsibility, saying that the journalist was killed in a "rogue operation."