France invites Russia to take part in Lebanon fundraising

French President Emmanuel Macron has invited Russia to take part in a fundraising mechanism for Lebanon, the Elysee office said Wednesday, following the devastating blast at Beirut port, Daily Star reports.

During a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Macron also said the five permanent members of the United Nations' Security Council should support the formation of a new government in Lebanon, the Elysee said in a statement.

The five permanent members comprise France, Russia, the United States, China and Britain.