RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a call from French President Emmanuel Macron, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The pair also reviewed bilateral relations and cooperation, as well as the latest regional and international developments.

They also welcomed the long-delayed prospect of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the Elysee Palace said in a statement.

The two leaders also welcomed the election of President Joseph Aoun and the appointment of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, which opened up a new era for Lebanon and sent an important signal to the international community to re-engage with the country.

The French president and the crown prince indicated that they would give their full support to the consultations led by the new Lebanese authorities with a view to appointing a strong government capable of bringing together the diversity of the Lebanese people, ensuring respect for the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, and carrying out the reforms necessary for the country's prosperity, stability and sovereignty, the Elysee added.

They then discussed the situation in Syria.

Following on from the Aqaba and Riyadh meetings, the two leaders reiterated their commitment to supporting a fair, inclusive political transition that respects the rights of all Syrians as well as their commitment to the fight against terrorism, with full respect for Syrian sovereignty, and stressed the need to preserve Syria from any outside interference.

Macron confirmed that the next conference on the subject would be held in Paris on Feb. 13. Lastly, they discussed the development of the strategic partnership signed during the French President's state visit to the Kingdom last December, notably in the field of artificial intelligence.