Britain’s Deputy National Security Advisor for International Affairs, Dame Barbara Woodward, concluded her two-day visit to Lebanon, during which she focused on strengthening cooperation with the United Kingdom, supporting regional stability, and affirming the United Kingdom’s firm commitment to Lebanon’s security and sovereignty.
The talks with Lebanese officials focused on “the United Kingdom’s support for Lebanon’s efforts to extend state authority over its entire territory, strengthen official institutions, and support a political settlement in line with Security Council Resolution 1701,” according to a statement issued by the British Embassy in Beirut.
The statement indicated that Woodward reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s strong support for the government of Lebanon, and welcomed the recent historic decisions, including the announcement of the tripartite framework agreement between Lebanon, Israel, and the United States, considering that “this agreement will be pivotal in advancing progress towards the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, the disarmament of Hezbollah, and the full deployment of the Lebanese army.”
According to the embassy statement, “The visit highlighted the United Kingdom’s readiness to play its role in supporting this diplomatic path, through humanitarian and development aid and its basic support for the Lebanese Army. So that the Kingdom continues to support the Army, the only legitimate defender of Lebanon, by enabling their sustainable deployment and effective operations through border security infrastructure, training, and equipment.”
Woodward praised the army’s efforts to secure the border with Syria, deal with serious challenges in the south, and maintain stability during an extremely difficult period.
“This visit comes at a pivotal moment during which Lebanon and its partners are working towards achieving a sovereign and peaceful future, and the United Kingdom will continue to support diplomatic efforts that achieve lasting peace and security for Lebanon and Israel,” She said, noting that “diplomacy is the only path towards a lasting political settlement that leads to Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon, the disarmament of Hezbollah, and the full deployment of the Lebanese army.”
