Spain donates €10M to Lebanese army.
During his visit, the Spanish minister emphasized his country’s unwavering commitment to supporting Lebanon in its efforts to maintain stability and strengthen security. He highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing regional challenges and pledged continued assistance to facilitate humanitarian responses. Stressing Spain’s dedication to fostering peace, the minister noted that aiding Lebanon’s institutions, including the army, plays a crucial role in ensuring resilience. This commitment underlines Spain’s broader strategy to promote stability and partnership in the region.
Beirut: Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno announced Spain’s decision to donate €10 million to the Lebanese Armed Forces, reinforcing Spain’s commitment to Lebanon’s stability and security. The announcement came during his meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace in Beirut. A statement from the Lebanese presidency confirmed the development, emphasizing the collaborative ties between the two nations.
During his visit, Bueno highlighted Spain’s dedication to supporting Lebanon as it navigates significant political and economic challenges. He stressed that the donation to the Lebanese army was part of Spain’s broader strategy to promote regional stability. “Spain is committed to aiding Lebanon in its efforts to secure stability and facilitate humanitarian response,” Bueno stated. He noted that Spain’s support would extend beyond financial aid to active participation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), a peacekeeping mission aimed at maintaining calm along Lebanon’s southern border.
Bueno also extended an invitation to President Aoun to visit Spain, underscoring the importance of fostering deeper diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries. This invitation signals Spain’s interest in maintaining an open dialogue and strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Earlier in December, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez hosted Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati in Madrid to discuss pressing issues affecting Lebanon and the broader Middle East. The talks came just weeks after a ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel had taken effect, following a tense period of cross-border hostilities. Additionally, the meeting occurred shortly after the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a development that has reshaped regional dynamics.
The discussions between Sánchez and Mikati centered on Lebanon’s pressing economic and political crises. Both leaders underscored the urgency of addressing these challenges while ensuring Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also explored opportunities for international cooperation to support Lebanon’s recovery. Sánchez reaffirmed Spain’s readiness to assist Lebanon in implementing reforms and strengthening its institutions, including the armed forces, which are seen as a pillar of national stability.
The leaders further emphasized the need for a peaceful and orderly political transition in Syria that preserves its territorial integrity. They agreed that a stable and peaceful Syria is essential not only for the well-being of its people but also for the broader region, particularly Lebanon. With millions of Syrian refugees residing in Lebanon, the situation in Syria remains closely intertwined with Lebanon’s own stability and humanitarian concerns.
Spain’s continued engagement with Lebanon reflects a strong commitment to regional peace, stability, and prosperity, with the €10 million donation to the Lebanese Armed Forces serving as a tangible expression of this dedication.