NNA - British Chief of Defence Staff has his first meeting with Lebanese Army Commander KahwajI.



On his first foreign tour as Chief of Defence Staff, General Sir Nicholas Houghton visited Lebanon to meet Army Commander General Kahwaji on 27 August.



The two Generals discussed their shared intention to continue the current high level of engagement between their Armed Forces. Speaking during his visit, General Houghton said:



"I commend the Lebanese Armed Forces for their commitment to maintaining Lebanon?s stability, under difficult conditions. On my watch, the UK will continue its staunch support to Lebanese stability. We are helping the LAF to keep the Lebanese people safe, maintain stability and protect Lebanon?s borders, through a £10 million ($15 million) programme in support of the LAF?s five-year Capabilities Development Plan, as my predecessor General Richards announced in July. In my new role as Chief of Defence Staff, I look forward to deepening the enduring defence partnership between our nations."


=====================