Friday 29 Mar 2024 - 12:00

06:02 pm

Visitors:
Online:

Hague conveys UK Premier's support to Lebanon's stability


NNA - Lebanese President Michel Sleiman on Thursday met with UK's Foreign Secretary, William Hague, who conveyed UK's Premier David Cameron's support to Lebanon's stability.



Foreign Secretary, William Hague, delivered the following statement after his meeting with the President:



"It is a pleasure to be here in Lebanon on my first visit as Foreign Secretary.
Lebanon is a hugely important country, because of its diversity, its democracy, and its role in the region. It is a vital partner for the UK as we seek to work together to address the region's problems and to take its opportunities. We are committed to doing what we can, in partnership with Lebanon, to support peace and stability here and more widely.


President Sleiman and I had a warm and productive meeting this morning.
We discussed bilateral relations and the situation in the region. On behalf of the Prime Minister, I handed the President a letter setting out an enhanced offer of support for Lebanon's stability.


The UK recognizes the critical role played by the Lebanese Armed Forces in maintaining stability. That is why we are increasing our training assistance package. We will help the Lebanese Armed Forces train over 2,000 troops in the coming year. This is in addition to the joint activities we already have planned with the armed forces, including equipment and training support, of the ever closer work the UK is doing with the Lebanese army sand the Internal Security Forces to help back Lebanese stability. I shall shortly be meeting some officers from the Lebanese Armed Forces, and I look forward to hearing from them about the impact our practical and purposeful partnership is having.


President Sleiman and I discussed internal political developments. We noted the parliamentary process on a draft election law . In these difficult times, it is important that political forces in Lebanon come together in a spirit of dialogue and consensus to agree a process that respects the constitutional timetable for this year's Parliamentary elections.


We also discussed our trade relationship. I am delighted that trade between the UK and Lebanon increased by 11% last year, despite uncertainty in the region. British and Lebanese companies can benefit considerably from working together as partners in key infrastructure are developments, for example. And we stand ready to help develop transparent mechanisms for oil and gas.


I also met yesterday evening Prime Minister Mikati. We discussed the importance of both stability in Lebanon and inclusive dialogue in the run-up to elections. We agreed on the urgent need to make progress in the Middle East Peace Process, and I welcomed Lebanon's commitment to cooperate with the Bulgarian investigation into the bombing of a bus in Bourgas.



The situation in Syria remains of enormous concern. The appalling humanitarian crisis, the loss of life, and the threat to regional security cannot be ignored or underestimated. As we have always said, the senseless killing must be brought to an end through a credible political process leading to transition.



Lebanon has taken in Syria refugees and is giving support and shelter to hundreds of thousands. Lebanon and those who have sought refuge here should not have to stand alone. Later on today will be announcing UK aid allocated to helping Syrian refugees in Lebanon.



Our friendship with Lebanon, in the face of regional challenges, remains staunch and unquestionable."



Besides, Sleiman met with Maronite Patriarch Mar Beshara Rahi over national causes.



Sleiman also convened with MP Yassine Jaber and discussed with him latest developments and electoral proposals.



President Sleiman met respectively with the State Prosecutor Hatem Madi and Secretary General of the Higher Lebanese-Syrian Council Nasri Khoury.


======================L.W.



تابعوا أخبار الوكالة الوطنية للاعلام عبر أثير إذاعة لبنان على الموجات 98.5 و98.1 و96.2 FM

  • NNA Services
  • Email Service
  • Mobile App
  • Responsive Website