Army Commander General Joseph Aoun announced that "the army is currently facing the challenge of Syrian displacement alone, despite all the geographical, logistical, and numerical complexities, and is subjected daily to suspicious campaigns against it. In this context, I salute all our officers and personnel who are making every effort to limit displacement and its repercussions. I also commend the naval forces for their efforts in protecting maritime borders and combating illegal migration by sea, amidst all difficulties and modest resources."
He added, "The Syrian displacement crisis is perhaps the greatest challenge currently facing the army, whether through infiltration across land borders or illegal migration by sea. The waves of displacement have notably increased in recent months, which we have repeatedly warned about, urging everyone to take responsibility from their respective positions."
He noted that "the army is facing many increasing challenges on various levels, both domestically and along the borders. Despite the economic crisis and its repercussions, the army personnel perform their duties with full commitment and conviction in all assigned missions on land, at sea, and in the air."
General Aoun inaugurated a building for the Naval Forces School at the Jounieh naval base, funded by German authorities, in the presence of the German Ambassador to Lebanon Kurt Stoeckl-Stillfried, the German Armed Forces Commander General Carsten Breuer, the naval commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon Admiral Michael Busse, the Director General of Land and Maritime Transport at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport Ahmed Tamer, several military attaches, representatives of national universities, and a number of officers.
After unveiling the memorial plaque for the building, the naval forces commander Brigadier General Haitham Dannaoui delivered a welcoming speech, and the attendees listened to a briefing about the Naval Forces School and its missions. The Army Commander spoke about Germany's ongoing initiatives to support the military institution and enhance its capabilities aimed at monitoring and securing maritime borders, as well as protecting marine areas and resources that Lebanon seeks to secure and exploit, especially gas and oil wealth, which positively impacts national security and economy.
On the other hand, Ambassador Stoeckl-Stillfried affirmed the continued cooperation of German authorities with the army, especially regarding enhancing its naval capabilities. General Breuer highlighted that effective cooperation between the German and Lebanese armies is yielding positive results and reflects their professionalism and strong relationship.
In conclusion, attendees toured the building to familiarize themselves with its sections and the operational mechanisms of the Naval Forces School.
