Beirut: Lebanese Armed Forces Commander, General Rodolphe Haykal, has concluded a two-day official visit to the United Kingdom, held from June 24 to 26, marking his first visit to the country since assuming command. The visit provided an opportunity to further strengthen collaboration on shared priorities, including regional stability, border security, and enhancing the resilience of Lebanon's state institutions. Discussions focused on the UK's support for LAF and progress towards a durable ceasefire.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, during his visit, General Haykal engaged in high-level meetings with UK counterparts, such as the Chief of the Defence Staff, Sir Richard Knighton, at the Ministry of Defence. He also toured the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and held discussions with Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, and UK National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell. These discussions concentrated on the UK's support for the Lebanese Armed Forces, emphasizing the progress towards a durable ceasefire and the UK's readiness to support LAF deployment to the south.

The UK's commitment to Lebanon remains steadfast, as it continues to back the Lebanese Armed Forces as the sole legitimate defender of the nation. Since 2009, the UK has committed over £180 million to bolster Lebanon's internal and border security, which includes £69 million allocated to the Internal Security Forces and more than £120 million dedicated to the Lebanese Armed Forces for training, equipment, and capacity-building programs.