Lammy voices support to Lebanon's security and stability in visit to country
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has visited Lebanon as part of a regional tour, reiterating the UK's "ongoing support for Lebanon's security, stability and future prosperity," the British embassy said.
The Foreign Secretary met with President Joseph Aoun at the Presidential Palace and discussions focused on the latest local and regional developments and UK-Lebanon bilateral relations.
The Foreign Secretary spoke about "the urgency of efforts to reach a lasting peace in Lebanon and the region," stressing "the importance of Lebanon and Israel implementing the ceasefire agreement in full, including the withdrawal of Israeli Forces and the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) throughout the South," the embassy said in a statement.
He commended the "long-standing and strong bilateral partnership between Lebanon and the UK including with the LAF, both in the South and on the border with Syria."
Since 2009, the UK has spent over £115 million to support the LAF with infrastructure, vehicles, training and equipment and since 2013 supported the establishment of the Land Border Regiments (LBRs) on the border with Syria.
The Foreign Secretary also reiterated the UK's support for UNIFIL and the role they play for stability in South Lebanon, as mandated in UNSCR 1701. He also called for "urgent implementation of essential economic reforms and transparent processes for justice and accountability."
British Ambassador Hamish Cowell said: 'I was pleased to welcome British Foreign Secretary David Lammy to Lebanon, following unprecedented regional tensions. Efforts must continue to secure a lasting ceasefire in Lebanon and allow the full deployment of the Lebanese Army to the south of the country, as the sole legitimate defender of Lebanon."
'Stability in the Middle East is in everyone's interest. The full implementation of UNSCR 1701 is crucial to Lebanon and the region's future security. Lebanon's path to recovery is dependent on essential reforms, including those required to secure an IMF agreement to rebuild the economy and unlock international investment," Cowell added, noting that "the UK remains a steadfast partner to Lebanon and its people."
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