As part of a regional visit, Foreign Secretary visited Lebanon on Friday 4
July 2025. He reiterated the UK's ongoing support for Lebanon's
security, stability and future prosperity.
The Foreign Secretary met with President General Joseph Aoun at
the Presidential Palace. 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. He stressed 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.
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 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 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.
The UK remains a steadfast partner to Lebanon and its people.
The Foreign Secretary also visited Syria as part of his regional
trip. This is the first by a UK Minister in 14 years and renews
the UK-Syria diplomatic relationship. The Foreign Secretary met
President Al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani to reiterate
the importance of an inclusive and representative political
transition in Syria and offer continued UK support to the Syrian
people.
