Beirut: Lebanon's Army Commander General Rudolph Haykal, on Monday, received Australian Ambassador to Lebanon, Andrew Barnes, along with his delegation, at his Yarzeh office. The visit was a farewell gesture marking the conclusion of Ambassador Barnes' diplomatic mission in Lebanon.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the army commander also held a meeting with a delegation from the Maronite Patriarchate, which represented Cardinal Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi. The delegation included Patriarchal Vicars Bishop Elias Nassar and Bishop Antoine Awkar. They emphasized the "necessity for all Lebanese to rally around the Army Commander, the military institution, and all security forces," expressing their "deep appreciation for the sacrifices of the Army throughout the country." The delegation stressed "the importance of the Army's presence in the southern towns and supporting their resilience amidst the current exceptional circumstances."

In a separate meeting, General Haykal welcomed MP Qassem Hashem and an accompanying delegation from the town of Shebaa-Hasbaya. The delegation conveyed "their appreciation for the Army's efforts in the town and its surrounding areas, and their stand by the families during this difficult period."