Strengthening Security Cooperation: U.S. Ambassador’s Meeting with New Lebanese Army Chief of Staff
Lisa Johnson, the U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, met today with General "Rodolph Hikal," the new Chief of Staff of the Lebanese Army, emphasizing the central role of the Lebanese Armed Forces as the "primary guarantor of national security" and an important regional partner for Washington. The meeting, held within the framework of bilateral security discussions, focused on shared challenges and priorities.
Weezha Roz-Washington –The two sides discussed the complex missions of the Lebanese Army amidst ongoing economic and regional crises.
Johnson highlighted U.S. support for the Lebanese military, stating: “The Lebanese Army is not only a unifying institution within the country but also a key partner in maintaining stability in the Middle East.”
One of the main topics of the meeting was the Lebanese Army’s actions along the southern borders and coordination with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.
The U.S. Ambassador stressed the need to strengthen international cooperation to fully implement this resolution, particularly in disarming non-state groups and protecting civilians.
The new Chief of Staff of the Lebanese Army thanked the U.S. for its technical and training support and expressed Beirut’s readiness for further cooperation in border security and counterterrorism efforts.
This meeting comes at a time when Lebanon faces heightened tensions along its southern borders with Israel and increasing internal crises.
In recent years, the United States has allocated tens of millions of dollars in military and security assistance to the Lebanese Army.
Weezha Roz
