Beirut: Dr Christian Turner, recently appointed as the United Kingdom’s next Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, concluded a two-day visit to Lebanon. This visit was part of his regional engagement before assuming his new role in January.

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, during his visit, Dr Turner met with key Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji. He also held discussions with UN Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident Coordinator, and Humanitarian Coordinator Imran Riza. The discussions focused on the importance of support from the United Nations and its member states for the security and stability of Lebanon.

In Naqoura, Dr Turner met with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Force Commander General Diodato Abagnara, UNIFIL Deputy Head of Mission and the Director of Division for Political and Civil Affairs Herv© Lecoq, and UNIFIL Chief of Staff Major General Paul Sanzey. Additionally, he engaged with the UNTSO Observer Group Lebanon to assess the current situation in south Lebanon. His visit aimed to explore how the United Kingdom can best support UNIFIL during the upcoming transition period.