Lebanese Army Chief, General Joseph Aoun received in his office in Yazre Saturday the Commander of the French Armed Forces, General Thierry Burkhard, with whom he discussed ways of enhancing cooperation and coordination between the two armies.

General Burkhard commended the “prominent and important role played by the military institution in terms of maintaining security and stability in Lebanon,” National News Agency (NNA) reported.

He further stressed that “continued support for the army, especially in terms of providing emergency aid and developing its operational capabilities, in addition to the continued commitment of his country to participate in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon - UNIFIL.”

In turn, General Aoun thanked his French counterpart for his country’s ongoing support for Lebanon and its army, noting that “this support contributes to the military institution’s sustainability to execute the many and complex tasks required of it, while facing challenges due to the economic, political and social situation prevailing in the country, whereby its soldiers still believe in the sanctity of their mission.”

Aoun stressed that “the institution is still cohesive and able to protect Lebanon and its people, and that the army leadership is seeking with all its efforts to alleviate the burden of the crisis off the shoulders of the military.”