The Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), General Rodolphe Haykal, concluded a two-day official visit to the United Kingdom, his first since assuming command of the LAF. The visit included a series of high-level meetings with British military and security officials aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and supporting Lebanon's stability.

During the visit, General Haykal met with the UK's Chief of the Defence Staff, Sir Richard Knighton, at the Ministry of Defence. He also toured the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and held meetings with Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer and UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell.

The discussions focused on the United Kingdom's continued support for the Lebanese Armed Forces, cooperation in border security and capacity building, progress toward a durable ceasefire, and the UK's readiness to support the deployment of the LAF in southern Lebanon.

The UK government reaffirmed that the Lebanese Armed Forces remain the sole legitimate defender of Lebanon, noting that since 2009 the United Kingdom has committed more than £180 million to support Lebanon's internal and border security. This includes over £120 million for training, equipping, and strengthening the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces, as well as £69 million for the Internal Security Forces.

On the sidelines of the visit, General Haykal attended a reception hosted by Lebanon's Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, Farah Berri, at the Lebanese Embassy in London. The event was attended by diplomatic and military officials, as well as members of the Lebanese community, and underscored the importance of continued support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and the strong partnership between Lebanon and the United Kingdom.

The visit comes amid ongoing international efforts to strengthen Lebanon's state institutions and enhance stability, particularly by reinforcing the Lebanese Armed Forces' ability to carry out their national security mission and extend state authority throughout the country.

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