Lebanese Army Commander Ends Visit to The United Kingdom
Lebanon鈥檚 inclusion in the 'Dragon Group' meetings underscores its strategic importance & longstanding partnership with the UK in promoting regional stability.
UK CDS and Lebanese CHOD.
The Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), General Rodolph Haykal attended the UK-hosted 鈥淒ragon Group鈥� between 4-5 August, accompanied by UK Defence Attach茅 to Lebanon Lt Col Charlie Smith, reinforcing the strong military partnership between Lebanon and the UK.
The Dragon Group is a UK-led initiative launched in 2018 aboard HMS Dragon to bring together Chiefs of Defence from across the Middle Eastern region. Initially comprising nine nations, the group has evolved to reflect the region鈥檚 broader security landscape. Lebanon鈥檚 inclusion this year underscores its strategic importance and longstanding partnership with the UK in promoting regional stability.
The ninth meeting took place in Edinburgh, Scotland, to coincide with the world-famous Military Tattoo.
During his visit, General Haykal met with the UK Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin and Chiefs of Defence from across the Middle East. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation, regional security, and continued UK support for the LAF as the sole legitimate defender of Lebanon.
This visit underscores the UK鈥檚 commitment to Lebanon鈥檚 stability and sovereignty. Since 2009, the UK has provided over 拢161 million in support to Lebanon鈥檚 security institutions, including 拢106 million in direct assistance to the LAF through training, equipment, and infrastructure.
Charge D鈥橝ffaires Victoria Dunne said:
The visit of the Lebanese Army Commander General Haykal to the UK reflects the strength of our defence partnership and the UK鈥檚 ongoing support for the Lebanese Armed Forces. We stand with Lebanon in its efforts to maintain peace, security, and sovereignty.
UK Defence Attach茅 Lt. Col. Charlie Smith said:
The Lebanese Armed Forces plays a vital role in Lebanon鈥檚 and the region鈥檚 stability. I am grateful for General Haykal鈥檚 valuable contribution to this meeting of the Dragon Group. We are proud to work alongside the LAF supporting with training, kit and equipment. Our bilateral military cooperation remains strong and we reaffirm our commitment to their mission and capabilities.