Cowell: The United Kingdom has allocated £13 million to support the Lebanese army.

The British ambassador to Lebanon, Hamish Cowell, announced in a statement about the embassy, ​​”a commitment of £13 million to support the determination of the Lebanese Army from 2022 to 2025, in a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Commander-in-Chief of the Lebanese Army, General Joseph Aoun.”

The statement added: “During a meeting of the High Oversight Committee of the Assistance Program for Land Border Protection, Ambassador Cowell, US Ambassador Dorothy Shea and Canadian Ambassador Stephanie McCollum met with General Aoun to discuss security along the Lebanon-Syria border.

The joint border project strengthened the Lebanese government’s authority over its land borders with Syria, with four land border brigades stationed in al-Arida to the north and Jabal al-Sheikh to the south.

After the meeting, Ambassador Cowell said: “This MoU demonstrates our commitment to continue our support and cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Since 2009, the United Kingdom has committed more than £87 million sterling to allow the Lebanese Army to upgrade, develop and adapt its capabilities to the times. We are proud of our contribution to building the reputation of the Lebanese Armed Forces as a respected and professional armed force capable of protecting Lebanon and providing security along its borders with Syria.”

He added, “I had the honor to meet General Joseph Aoun, Commander of the Lebanese Army, and to attend the first meeting of the High Supervisory Committee. The Lebanese Army plays an important role in protecting Lebanon and its people. I am very impressed by the courage shown by its men and women.”