The UK Defence Senior Advisor to the Middle East and North Africa
(DSAME) Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren ended a two-day visit to
Lebanon where he met with senior Lebanese and UN officials. Vice
Admiral Ahlgren congratulated President Aoun on his election as
President and the formation of a new government, which shows hope
and change for the future. Vice Admiral Ahlgren reiterated the
UK's support for Lebanon's long-term stability and security.
Vice Admiral Ahlgren held meetings with President Joseph
Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri, Defence Minister Michel Menassa,
acting Army Commander Major General Hassan Audeh, Head of LAF
Operations, General Rudolph Heykel, and UNIFIL Chief of Staff in
Naqoura, Major General Jean-Jacques Fatinet. He was accompanied
by the UK Chargé D'Affaires Victoria Dunne and Defence Attaché
Lieutenant Colonel Charles .
At the end of the visit Chargé D'Affaires, Victoria Dunne said:
The election of a President and the formation of a new government
signals a new chapter for Lebanon's security, stability, and
prosperity. As close partners of Lebanon, we discussed the
government's proposed road map for the country's recovery and
future prosperity. This includes the full implementation of the
ceasefire agreement agreed in November 2024.
Vice Admiral Ahlgren said:
It was a pleasure to meet President Joseph Aoun again following
his election in January. The UK will continue to work
closely with the Lebanese state and support the Lebanese Armed
Forces, as the sole legitimate military force. During our visit
to Naqoura, we reiterated the UK's support to UNIFIL
peacekeepers' work as a vital tool for Lebanon's security.
Lebanon's future stability is also crucial to regional stability.
The UK remains a long-standing friend of Lebanon and the LAF.
