Beirut – September 5, 2025
Beirut today witnessed the signing of a medical and academic cooperation agreement between the University Hospital of Montpellier – France (CHU Montpellier), represented by its Director General, Mrs. Anne Ferrer, and Hôpital Français du Levant, represented by Dr. Antoine Maalouf. The official ceremony was attended by the Consul General of France represented by Mr. Didier Vendrôme, Professor Pierre Yared, President of the Syndicate of Hospitals in Lebanon, a representative of the Commander-in-Chief of the Lebanese Army, as well as a number of prominent medical and diplomatic figures.
The event opened with a speech by Dr. Maalouf, who emphasized:
“This hospital, modest in size but great in the determination of its medical team, has had the honor of receiving your support in preparing for and achieving this agreement.”
He added: “Health knows no borders and no hierarchies; it is built on a living network where the strong support the less strong.”
He further stressed that this partnership “is not just an administrative appointment, but a moment of hope, dialogue, and openness—an opportunity for our ambitions to take shape and for our modest home to shine in the light of your profound expertise.”
Mrs. Anne Ferrer, representing CHU Montpellier, then highlighted the importance of partnership and cooperation at the academic, research, and medical levels, stressing the values of solidarity and complementarity among healthcare institutions.
This was followed by remarks from Dr. Elie Abboud, former deputy of Montpellier and Director of International Medical Relations, who outlined the background and objectives of the agreement. The program concluded with an address by Mr. Didier Vendrôme, representing the Consulate General of France.
The new agreement paves the way for multidimensional cooperation, including academic exchange and advanced training programs for doctors and students; joint research projects in modern fields of medicine; the development of advanced surgical practices and specialized medical consultations; strengthened direct communication between Lebanese medical professionals and international experts.
Participants affirmed that the ultimate goal of this initiative is to raise healthcare standards, provide innovative services that place the patient at the center, and establish the foundations of a long-term partnership between the two institutions.