Lebanese Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal concluded a two-day official visit to the United Kingdom, during which he participated in the annual meeting of the Dragon Group, a British strategic dialogue initiative bringing together military chiefs from the Middle East.
Held in Edinburgh on August 4 and 5, this ninth edition of the meeting took place alongside the renowned Edinburgh Military Tattoo parade.
Accompanied by the British military attaché in Beirut, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Smith, General Haykal represented Lebanon for the first time in this forum, marking the growing recognition of Lebanon’s strategic role in regional stability.
Lebanon’s inclusion in the group, launched in 2018, reflects the strengthening defense ties between Beirut and London.
During his visit, General Haykal met with Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the Chief of the British Defense Staff, as well as several regional counterparts.
Discussions focused on bilateral cooperation, regional security and continued British support for the Lebanese Army, described as the “only legitimate defender of the national territory.”
In a statement, British Deputy Head of Mission in Beirut Victoria Dunne emphasized that General Haykal’s visit “reflects the strength of our defense partnership and the UK’s ongoing support for the Lebanese Army.” She added, “We stand with Lebanon in its efforts to preserve peace, security and sovereignty.”
Since 2009, the UK has provided over £161 million to Lebanese security institutions, including £106 million directly to the army in the form of training, equipment and infrastructure.
London also reaffirmed its commitment to the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for the cessation of hostilities and the strengthening of Lebanon’s state institutions.
Lieutenant Colonel Smith praised General Haykal’s “valuable contribution” to the Dragon Group’s work and reiterated London’s commitment to “supporting the mission and capabilities” of the Lebanese Army amid an uncertain regional environment.
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