The British Embassy in Lebanon issued a statement indicating that the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff of the UK, Air Marshal Harvey Smith, concluded his two-day visit to Lebanon on Tuesday, April 23. This is his first visit and comes as part of discussions on the UK's efforts "to reduce escalation in the region."
The statement added: "Air Marshal Smith held meetings with Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Speaker of the House Nabih Berri, Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces General Joseph Aoun, and Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib. He reaffirmed the UK's support for the people of Lebanon and the strengthening of the Lebanese army. He emphasized the UK's ongoing commitment to support the Lebanese army in its pursuit of stability and security throughout Lebanon despite the challenges facing the country."
It continued: "In northern Lebanon, he observed how officers and soldiers of the First Land Border Regiment continue to secure Lebanese sovereignty and combat smuggling and terrorist activities professionally over more than 100 kilometers of the border with Syria."
At the end of his visit, Air Marshal Smith stated: "I realized the excellent partnership between the British and Lebanese armed forces at the Syrian border, and reiterated during my meetings the UK's position of not dragging Lebanon into a regional conflict. The UK works closely alongside its Lebanese partners to ease tensions in the region and the ongoing hostilities along the Blue Line, while also calling for an end to the fighting in Gaza."
British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell said: "Now, more than ever, it is important that we work together to avoid further escalation in southern Lebanon and the region. The UK is concerned about the ongoing fighting in the south. We are committed to supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces during these difficult times, and we will work with our international partners for long-lasting peace and stability."
