UK foreign secretary visits Lebanon to reaffirm support amid regional tensions

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has visited Lebanon as part of a wider regional tour, reaffirming Britain's ongoing commitment to the country's security, stability, and prosperity, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

During his visit on Friday, Lammy held talks with President General Joseph Aoun at the Presidential Palace in Beirut, focusing on the latest regional developments and the state of UK-Lebanon relations.

He emphasized the urgent need to achieve lasting peace in Lebanon and the wider region.

He underscored the importance of both Lebanon and Israel fully implementing the ceasefire agreement, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) throughout the country's south.

Lammy praised the longstanding UK-Lebanon partnership, particularly the close cooperation with the LAF in southern Lebanon and along the Syrian border.

He also reiterated the UK's support for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), highlighting its role in helping maintain stability in the south in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

He called for urgent economic reforms and greater transparency in justice and governance as Lebanon continues to face a deepening economic crisis.

British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell welcomed Lammy's visit, noting its significance against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions.

"Efforts must continue to secure a lasting ceasefire in Lebanon and allow the full deployment of the Lebanese Army to the south of the country, as the sole legitimate defender of Lebanon," said Cowell in a separate statement.

He added that full implementation of UNSCR 1701 was “crucial to Lebanon and the region's future security” and called for reforms needed to secure an IMF agreement and attract international investment.

Lammy also traveled to Syria—the first visit by a UK minister in 14 years—where he met President Al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani.

He used the opportunity to stress the UK's support for an inclusive and representative political transition in Syria and reaffirmed British support for the Syrian people.