The British Embassy in Lebanon welcomed the UK Defence Senior Advisor to the Middle East and North Africa (DSAME) Air Marshal Martin Sampson during his two-day visit from 5 to 6 July.
During a special ceremony held at the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in Naqoura, and with the coordination of the Integrated Outreach Operations Officer, Air Marshal Sampson attended the raising of the UK flag at UNIFIL, the UK being the forty-ninth troop contributor to UNIFIL’s 10,101 peacekeepers, as the Embassy’s statement elaborates.
Marshal Sampson also met with Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdallah Bou Habib.
He was accompanied during his meetings by Chargé d’Affaires Camilla Nicklis and Defence Attaché Lieutenant-Colonel Lee Saunders.
At the end of the visit, Chargé d’Affaires Camilla Nicklis said, “An important milestone in the UK’s contribution to Lebanon’s stability and security during the raising of the United Kingdom’s flag at UNIFIL. We fully support UNIFIL’s work in south Lebanon, as mandated in UN Resolution 1701.”
“The visit of Air Marshal Martin Sampson to Lebanon and his continued close engagement with the Lebanese Army Commander is a symbol of our enduring support to the Lebanese Armed Forces,” she added.
Air Marshal Martin Sampson said, “I was proud to take part in the United Kingdom’s flag raising ceremony at UNIFIL as a troop contributing country. Yesterday’s incident underscored UNIFIL’s critical role in support of stability and security in Lebanon. We urge everyone to exercise restraint and avoid any further escalation.”
He added, “During my meetings I reiterated my support to the Lebanese people and that of the LAF given the current challenging context. We remain a close friend and strong ally of the Lebanese people and the Lebanese Armed Forces.”
