Sir Richards
Last week, the Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir David Richards visited Lebanon to discuss ways in which the UK can strengthen its Defence relationship with the country and support its armed forces in meeting the challenges they face.
During the visit General Richards met with his counterpart General Jean Kahwaji, Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, to explore areas in which the UK can offer targeted support to help develop their capability and deepen an enduring Defence partnership including building capacity through training and equipment in line with the Lebanese Armed Forces’ capability plan.
According to an MoD source General Richards, who was in Lebanon on Thursday and Friday, was also able to use his visit to confirm that the UK Government intends to provide Lebanon with a specific support package to help it deal with the security situation it currently faces on its border with Syria.
The package of mobility, communications, protection and surveillance equipment and associated training to help Lebanon protect its borders is subject to formal UK Parliamentary approval.
The source reveals existing UK support to Lebanon already includes the Lebanese Armed Forces’ training facility at Hamat and a number of recently constructed border observation towers.
General Sir David Richards said: “I am delighted to have had the chance to talk with General Kahwaji to see how we can further support the Lebanese Armed Forces as they defend the nation's territory and sovereignty. Since 2010 the UK has more than doubled assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces and I am pleased to take this opportunity to reiterate the UK’s commitment to Lebanon’s stability, democracy and sovereignty.
Sir Richards added: “I have great respect for the professionalism and leadership of the Lebanese Armed Forces, who are playing a critical role in preserving the country’s hard-won peace in the face of the challenges presented by the conflict in Syria.”