BEIRUT: Patrice Paoli, France’s Ambassador to Lebanon expressed to Prime Minister Najib Mikati Tuesday his country’s support for the government’s dissociation policy, highlighting the need to boost Francophone ties. “The meeting with Prime Minister Mikati was an occasion to reiterate our support for Lebanon’s policy of dissociating itself from regional crises, particularly the Syrian crisis,” Paoli told reporters after meeting the premier at the Grand Serail. The diplomat said he expressed France’s support for the Lebanese institutions and the Army. Paoli said that France and Lebanon should enhance bilateral relations in terms of Francophone ties and development. He said that the Francophone summit, which will kick off in Congo Friday, should be an occasion to discuss issues of common interest. Mikati is attending the event.