BEIRUT: Prime Minister Najib Mikati said France fully understands Lebanon’s position regarding events in Syria, according to a statement released by his press office upon his arrival in the French capital Friday.

“The French President and the rest of the French officials fully understand Lebanon's circumstances and its geopolitical situation,” Mikati said.

“Therefore, I will speak about my position; it is that Lebanon cannot be used as a conduit for conspiracies or conflict with any Arab country,” he added.

Lebanon has adopted a policy of disassociation from the events in Syria over fears that any other course of action could affect Lebanon adversely.

Upon arriving in Paris, Mikati was received by Minister of Transport Thierry Mariani at the National Military Museum, where a musical band played both the French and Lebanese national anthems.

Mikati, who is on an official two-day visit to Paris, also stressed the importance of strengthening ties between France and Lebanon in all fields, saying: “We have always considered France to be our gateway to Europe, just as Lebanon is the gateway into the Arab world.”

The prime minister is also expected to meet with high-ranking French officials including President Nicolas Sarkozy and Foreign Minister Alain Juppe.