UK Foreign Secretary Reaffirms Support for Lebanon's Stability and Security

UK Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, concluded his one-day visit to Lebanon, emphasizing the UK's unwavering commitment to Lebanon's stability and security. This visit marked his first official trip to the country as Foreign Secretary and his fourth to the Middle East in this role.

During his visit, Cameron held discussions with key Lebanese figures, including Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander General Joseph Aoun, and Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz, the Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. The Foreign Secretary expressed his concerns about rising tensions along Lebanon's border with Israel and underscored the UK's dedication to de-escalating violence in the region.

Cameron also visited the Rayak military airbase in the Bekaa, witnessing the collaborative efforts between the UK and Lebanon in training the four Land Border Regiments. He reaffirmed the UK's strong partnership with the Lebanese Army.

Furthermore, the Foreign Secretary announced additional UK aid, surpassing £100 million since 2009, to support the LAF, including border tower construction, provision of vehicles, and training for personnel. Additionally, £7.35 million in aid funding was pledged to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Lebanon Humanitarian Fund and £2.6 million for the education of vulnerable children.

The visit builds on Cameron's recent regional trips, where he continued to advocate for a ceasefire and humanitarian assistance in the region. British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell highlighted the UK's steadfast support for Lebanon's stability and security, emphasizing the importance of halting hostilities and implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701 for long-term peace.