The United Arab Emirates has announced a financial support of US$ 200 million, to be split equally between the Lebanese Armed Forces and the security forces, UAE national news agency WAM reported.
This support is part of the UAE’s efforts to contribute to the stability and welfare of Lebanon and its people.
In a statement released Saturday, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the UAE will continue its support to Lebanon and its stability.
“The UAE has always stood by brotherly countries at all times, took part in all conferences and supported efforts aimed at assisting Lebanon and its people. In this regard, the UAE is providing a US$ 100 million to the Lebanese army and US$ 100 million to the security institutions there,” the statement said.
The Ministry reiterated UAE’s keenness to ensure security and stability of Lebanon, which emanates from the strong bonds among the Arab countries and from the UAE's responsibility to maintaining regional and international security and peace.
“It is a priority for the UAE to see strong and tenacious military and security institutions in Lebanon at these critical times as this will help in re-enforcing its stability and in enabling it to play its key role in the region,” it concluded.
Last month, France provided $17 million worth of aid to the Lebanese Army, to include training and equipment such as anti-tank missiles, Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) said.
In February, the Lebanese army has received the third batch of arms supplied by the U.S. at the port of Beirut, the Army’s Orientation Directorate said.
“The eight M2A2 Bradley Fighting vehicles - carriers of armed troops with a gun platform - were delivered Saturday as part of a larger U.S. military assistance program to Lebanon launched last year,” it said in a statement.
Under the program, the army will receive a total of 32 such vehicles, in addition to six MD 530G light attack helicopters, six Scan-Eagle unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as communications and night vision devices, the statement added.
Last year, the Lebanese Army received eight Bradley Fighting vehicles and six A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft from the United States.
