NNA – Caretaker National Defense Minister, Maurice Sleem, on Tuesday met with Spain’s Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, at his office in Yarzeh. The meeting was attended by Spain’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Jesus Santos Aguado, UNIFIL Force Commander General General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz , and an accompanying delegation.

Upon her arrival, Minister Robles was given official honors and laid a wreath at the memorial for fallen Lebanese soldiers.

The subsequent discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, the situation in Lebanon, and military cooperation between the two countries.

Robles emphasized Spain’s continued support for Lebanon, especially through its ongoing participation in UNIFIL and the vital role the Spanish contingent plays in maintaining stability in southern Lebanon.

In turn, Minister Sleem expressed gratitude for Spain’s consistent support for Lebanon, highlighting the crucial role of the Spanish peacekeeping force within UNIFIL. He underscored the Lebanese Army’s commitment to cooperation with UNIFIL, particularly in the face of continued Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty and breaches of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Sleem reaffirmed Lebanon’s demand for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon by the deadline of January 26, 2025.

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