Istanbul: Lebanon's Army Commander Major General Rudolph Haykal met with Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Gler and Chief of the General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces, General Sel§uk Bayraktaroglu, during his participation in the SAHA 2026 International Defense and Aerospace Exhibition in Istanbul from May 5 to 7.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, Gler affirmed Turkey's continued support for the Lebanese army in addressing challenges and enhancing cooperation between the two nations. He also condemned the ongoing Israeli attacks targeting areas in Lebanon.
General Bayraktaroglu emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation between the Lebanese and Turkish armies, focusing on providing support to the military institution across various fields. The discussions included anticipated steps in the post-UNIFIL phase.
During the meetings, Major General Haykal expressed gratitude to the Turkish authorities and army for their ongoing support, and he praised the achievements of the Turkish defense industries.
The SAHA 2026 Exhibition drew participation from around 120 countries and 1700 companies, featuring high-ranking officials, military commanders, and heads of security agencies from several countries, showcasing advanced technologies.