Beirut: Lebanese Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal visited the Kingdom of the Netherlands on November 27 and 28, 2025, at the official invitation of his Dutch counterpart, General Onno Eichelsheim. General Haykal’s visit included a series of diplomatic and strategic meetings aimed at enhancing military collaboration and regional stability.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, General Haykal was received with official honors at the Dutch Ministry of Defence, where he engaged in discussions with General Eichelsheim. The talks focused on strengthening stability in Lebanon and the broader region. Both parties emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation between the Lebanese and Dutch armies. The Dutch authorities reiterated their commitment to supporting the Lebanese army through a multi-phase program, highlighting its essential role in maintaining stability in Lebanon.
During the visit, the Dutch authorities recognized the Lebanese army’s efforts in executing the first phase of its plan in the southern Litani sector, noting its precision and professionalism. General Haykal expressed gratitude to General Eichelsheim and the Dutch authorities for their ongoing support initiatives, which have been beneficial to the Lebanese Army and the Lebanese people across various regions.
General Haykal’s itinerary included participation in a strategic military meeting attended by General Eichelsheim and representatives from key institutions such as the Ministries of Defense and Foreign Affairs. Further, he held discussions with the Commander of Special Operations in the Dutch Armed Forces, Maj. Gen. Jan Hut, focusing on areas of joint cooperation. His visit also included a briefing at the Royal Netherlands Military Police Command on its critical missions related to airport security, border monitoring, and combating illegal immigration.