President Joseph Aoun on Monday outlined the achievements of the Lebanese Army (LAF) south of the Litani River, stressing the restoration of the state’s exclusive authority in the area, alongside ongoing efforts to secure borders and combat smuggling, drug trafficking, and illegal immigration.
In his remarks following a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Aoun underlined the LAF’s pressing need for additional equipment, vehicles, and material to fully carry out its missions. He praised Spain’s supportive stance toward Lebanon in international and European forums, particularly Madrid’s financial and material assistance to the army.
The president emphasized the importance of Spain’s participation in the international conference in support of the LAF and the Internal Security Forces (ISF), scheduled to take place in Paris on March 5. He also thanked Spain for condemning Israeli attacks against Lebanon, notably those that targeted the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in 2024, and for its continued engagement in southern Lebanon.
The discussions also addressed Spain’s intention to maintain units of its armed forces in southern Lebanon after the completion of UNIFIL’s withdrawal, scheduled for 2027, as part of ongoing consultations with Italy and Austria on the matter.
Talks also addressed the issue of Syrian refugees. Aoun expressed appreciation for Spain’s humanitarian assistance, which amounted to €1.4 million in 2024, as well as Madrid’s decision to host 85 Syrian refugees in 2025. He voiced hope for continued Spanish backing of Lebanon’s voluntary refugee return plan, which has so far enabled the return of around 500,000 people.
For his part, Sanchez confirmed Spain’s participation at the ministerial level in the Paris conference and reaffirmed his country’s long-term commitment to Lebanon’s security and stability. He also expressed interest in strengthening bilateral economic ties, underscoring the importance of Lebanon’s stability for Spain and the wider region.
President Aoun arrived in Spain on Monday morning for a two-day official visit, accompanied by a delegation that included Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi. Upon arrival, he met with Lebanon’s Ambassador to Spain, Hani Shmeitly, and Consul in Madrid, Chantal Bassem, who briefed him on the embassy’s work and the situation of the Lebanese community in Spain.
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