British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who concluded his one-day visit to Lebanon on Thursday, reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting de-escalation efforts in Lebanon and the ongoing support for the Lebanese army, which has reached £100 million since 2009.
At the Rayak Air Base in the Bekaa, the British Foreign Secretary saw the close work between Lebanon and the UK to provide training for the Land Border Regiments. He announced the UK’s ongoing support to the Lebanese army, which has surpassed £100 million since 2009.
At Rayak’s airbase in the Bekaa, Foreign Secretary @David_Cameron and Lord @tariqahmadbt saw how 🇬🇧🇱🇧 are working closely on providing training for the Land Border Regiments.
Cameron announced UK support @LebarmyOfficial which has surpassed £100 million since 2009. pic.twitter.com/o5lbao12Af
— UK in Lebanon 🇬🇧🇱🇧 (@ukinlebanon) February 2, 2024
Furthermore, the statement related the UK’s support in the construction of 78 border towers, the provision of 344 Land Rover vehicles, 3,450 sets of personal protective equipment for soldiers in border operations and 100 armored patrol vehicles, and the training of over 26,500 members of the Lebanese Armed Forces in border and internal security operations.
The Foreign Secretary also announced new funding of £7.35 million from the UK for the Humanitarian Affairs Coordination Office and the Humanitarian Fund in Lebanon, supporting UN agencies and non-governmental organizations in providing food, water, shelter and other essential aid to vulnerable communities across Lebanon.
Additionally, a contribution of £2.6 million was announced to support the education of the most vulnerable children through a network of community centers for out-of-school children, as part of the Education Crisis Response Fund for Lebanon, led by UNICEF and the Ministry of Education.
After thanking caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Cameron said, “The UK is working to help preserve stability in Lebanon and prevent a damaging regional escalation. We’re supporting the Lebanon Armed Forces – we’ve trained over 26.5k Lebanese soldiers and are giving further humanitarian aid to help the most vulnerable.”
The UK is working to help preserve stability in Lebanon and prevent a damaging regional escalation.
We’re supporting the Lebanon Armed Forces – we’ve trained over 26.5k Lebanese soldiers and are giving further humanitarian aid to help the most vulnerable.
Thank you PM… pic.twitter.com/6z8obYgFZF
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) February 2, 2024
British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell commented on the visit by acknowledging that “the situation across the Blue Line is fragile, and an escalation of violence is not in anyone’s interest.” He reiterated Cameron’s call for “the need to halt hostilities and implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701,” adding, “This is crucial if we want to see a long-term solution for peace.”
Accompanied by Middle East Minister Lord Ahmad, Cameron met with caretaker PM Najib Mikati, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, Lebanese Army Commander-in-Chief General Joseph Aoun and UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Aroldo Lázaro.
Yesterday, Foreign Secretary @david_cameron visited Lebanon to discuss with senior officials, and UNIFIL commander the need for security and stability in the region.
He reiterated UK support to @LebArmyOfficial to improve Lebanon’s security, and aid to those most vulnerable. pic.twitter.com/HfWhqJ01Xl
— UK in Lebanon 🇬🇧🇱🇧 (@ukinlebanon) February 2, 2024
During his talks, he expressed concerns about escalating tensions along Lebanon’s border with Israel and emphasized the UK’s commitment to supporting a cessation of violence, as per the statement.
