General Sir Nicholas Carter visits Lebanon
Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Nicholas Carter said he's proud of the UK's strong defence relationship with Lebanon built on trust and respect.
Accompanied by British Ambassador Chris Rampling, and Lieutenant Colonel Alex Hilton, the British Defence Attaché, General Carter met with President Michel Aoun.
The UK’s Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Nicholas Carter, visited Lebanon and discussed bilateral Defence and Security cooperation with senior Lebanese politicians and the head of the Lebanese Armed Forces. This is General Carter’s first visit to Lebanon.
General Sir Nick Carter was previously the Chief of the General Staff, the professional head of the British Army, leading it through the most recent Security and Defence Review in 2015. He assumed the appointment of Chief of the Defence Staff in June 2018.
Accompanied by British Ambassador Chris Rampling, and Lieutenant Colonel Alex Hilton, the British Defence Attaché, General Carter met with President Michel Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri, PM Saad Hariri, Defence Minister Elias Bou Saab and Head of the Lebanese Army Lieutenant General Joseph Aoun. He also visited an Army border tower and met the men and women of the Land Border Regiment who keep watch over the Lebanese border with Syria.
General Carter and his wife Lady Carter were the personal guests of General Joseph Aoun at their home in Yarze.
Chief of Defence Staff General Sir Nick Carter said:
I am proud of the UK’s strong defence relationship with Lebanon which is a longstanding relationship built on trust and respect. The UK’s ambitions match Lebanon’s and we both believe in the need for a strong and stable Lebanon defended by the Lebanese Armed Forces. The UK will continue to work to deepen and strengthen the partnership between the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Lebanese state to promote peace and prosperity in the region.
Speaking after his visit Ambassador Rampling said:
I am delighted that Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir Nicholas Carter, the Head of the British Armed Forces, has been able to visit Lebanon. In our meetings, General Carter expressed his deep respect for the men and women of the Lebanese Armed Forces who are at the frontline of combating terrorism and keeping Lebanon safe and paid tribute to their work in confronting Daesh. The UK believes in the need for a strong and stable Lebanon and I am proud that the UK is spending £69 million to support the Lebanese Armed Forces achieve this. The UK will continue to stand by Lebanon’s side as we look to further strengthen and develop the partnership between the Lebanese Armed Forces and the UK.