British Foreign Minister David Cameron began his activities in Lebanon at the Grand Serail, where he met with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati. During the meeting, they discussed Lebanese-British relations, ways to establish calm in southern Lebanon, and the necessary political and diplomatic solutions. The conversation also touched on the role of the army, ways to support and strengthen its capabilities, enhance cooperation between the army and UNIFIL, and measures to ensure the implementation of UN resolution 1701. The Prime Minister emphasized that Lebanon supports a peaceful solution in the region and that Britain's role in supporting the army is essential in this direction. He stressed Lebanon's commitment to the strict implementation of international resolutions, especially resolution 1701, and the continued cooperation between the army and UNIFIL.
Cameron highlighted the priority of a ceasefire in Gaza as a preliminary step toward the next phases of resolution. The meeting was attended by British Deputy Foreign Minister for the Middle East, Tariq Ahmad, British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell, and Cameron's accompanying delegation. From the Lebanese side, Prime Minister Mikati's advisors included former Minister Nicolas Nahas, Ambassador Bedros Assaker, and Mr. Ziad Mikati.
Afterward, Cameron headed to Ain El Tineh to meet with Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri, accompanied by British Ambassador Hamish Cowell, where they reviewed the latest developments in Lebanon and the region. Speaker Berri confirmed to the British Foreign Minister the targeting of civilians and residential areas in southern border villages and towns by Israel, violating UN resolution 1701 and engagement rules, stating that Lebanon has been waiting for the full implementation of this resolution since its issuance. Regarding the presidential election, the Speaker emphasized the need for consensus among the Lebanese, given Lebanon's uniqueness and its political system, to elect a president to complete the necessary reforms and economic recovery.
Cameron also met with Army Commander General Joseph Aoun in his office in Yarzeh, along with Tariq Ahmad, Baron Ahmad of Wimbledon, and British Ambassador Hamish Cowell, discussing the general situation in Lebanon and the region, as well as developments on the southern borders. The visiting delegation expressed their country's support for the army in light of the extraordinary circumstances Lebanon is facing. Cameron arrived at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut earlier in the day as part of a tour in the Middle East, which includes several Arab countries.
