Beirut: Hamish Falconer, MP, UK Minister for the Middle East, concluded a significant two-day visit to Lebanon, marking his first official engagement in the country. During his stay, he engaged with Lebanese leaders, inaugurated a newly constructed base for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in the south of Lebanon, and observed the impact of UK aid-funded programs on communities affected by recent conflicts. Accompanying him was British Ambassador Hamish Cowell.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the new LAF operating base in South Lebanon, built with UK support, is expected to enhance the operational resilience of the Lebanese Armed Forces and address critical infrastructure requirements. This base is integral to ensuring a permanent and sustainable LAF presence in the region. The UK has also been pivotal in constructing over 80 LAF operating bases along the Syrian border, reinforcing Lebanon's sovereignty and security.
During his visit, Minister Falconer also visited the Lebanese Red Cross (LRC) center in Tebnine, where he commended the collaboration between the British Red Cross (BRC) and LRC in enhancing crisis preparedness and disaster response capabilities. In Seddiqine, he toured a UNICEF Makani multi-service community center, which plays a crucial role in supporting marginalized children with essential education and child protection services.
This visit is part of a broader UK aid initiative to Lebanon, amounting to £33.5 million this year. This support aims to deliver humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable communities, ensuring they have access to basic necessities and essential services, including education and gender-based violence prevention. The UK is working in partnership with the Lebanese government to strengthen national social protection systems.
Minister Falconer met with key Lebanese figures such as President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, and Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Rodolph Haykal. In these meetings, he reiterated the UK's commitment to supporting Lebanon's reform efforts and ensuring its long-term security and stability.
At the conclusion of his visit, Minister Falconer emphasized the UK's dedication to fostering peace in the region through diplomacy, humanitarian assistance, and security cooperation. He highlighted the UK's efforts in bolstering the Lebanese Armed Forces and aiding communities in meeting basic needs and facilitating children's education.
British Ambassador Hamish Cowell expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the visit, underscoring the UK's commitment to collaborating with Lebanon to effect meaningful change that benefits the nation and its citizens. The meetings with Lebanese leadership reaffirmed the UK's unwavering support for Lebanon's sovereignty, stability, reform initiatives, and the significance of the upcoming parliamentary elections in 2026.