UK and Lebanon sign Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen security cooperation

The United Kingdom has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Lebanon’s Ministry of Interior and Municipalities and Ministry of Defense, reaffirming its “long-standing partnership with Lebanon’s security institutions.”

The UK’s Integrated Security Fund will support a 31-month Internal Security Assistance Program for the Internal Security Forces (ISF) and the Lebanese Army, totaling up to £16.3 million, the British embassy said in a statement.

“The UK’s partnership with the Lebanese Army, the Internal Security Forces, and their respective ministries will contribute to strengthening security, stability, state authority and institutional resilience in Lebanon. It will support professional, accountable and effective responses to current and emerging internal and external security challenges, including counter-terrorism activities and criminal violence,” the embassy added.

British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell said: “The United Kingdom is proud to stand alongside Lebanon and its security institutions. This Memorandum of Understanding reflects our shared commitment to a more secure, stable and resilient Lebanon, and to supporting professional state institutions, such as the Lebanese Army and ISF that serve and protect the Lebanese people.”

The UK has been a close partner of the Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces since 2009.