A memorandum for a £16.3 million support program for Lebanon’s security institutions was signed by the British Embassy in Beirut. Announced Friday, the agreement provides support for the Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces.
The 31-month program will be implemented under the UK’s program to support security in Lebanon. Funding will be provided through the UK’s Integrated Security Fund.
Goals of the agreement signed in Beirut
The memorandum was signed Thursday at the Ministry of Interior in Beirut in the presence of Lebanon’s Minister of Interior and Municipalities Ahmad al-Hajjar, Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Menassa and British Ambassador to Beirut Hamish Cowell.
The program aims to strengthen security and stability in Lebanon by supporting the army and Internal Security Forces. It also seeks to consolidate state authority and enhance the resilience of security institutions.
Coordination and counterterrorism capabilities to be strengthened
Under the memorandum, police operations will be developed and coordination between the two security institutions will be improved. The program will help provide professional, responsible and effective responses to existing or future internal and external security challenges.
The cooperation is expected to support efforts to combat terrorism and crime-related violence. It also aims to strengthen the capacity of Lebanon’s security institutions to address security threats.
Cooperation dates back to 2009
Ambassador Cowell said the memorandum reflected a shared commitment to building a safer, more stable and resilient Lebanon. Cowell said the UK would continue to support Lebanon’s official institutions, particularly the army and Internal Security Forces, which serve and protect the public.
Cooperation between the UK and the Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces dates back to 2009.
