The visit of Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun to the United States reflected a US commitment to empower the Lebanese Army and develop its military capabilities, as a strategic partner of the US military in the region to fight terrorism.
Aoun began on Monday an official visit to the United States, during which he will meet with a number of military and civilian officials to discuss ways of enhancing cooperation between the armies of the two countries.
This is the third visit of the LAF commander to Washington since taking office in the spring of 2017. Aoun made his first visit after taking command of the army and the second when he was honored after the successful battle against terrorist organizations on the eastern border with Syria.
Well-informed sources told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that the recent visit “confirmed that there was no change in the US policy towards Lebanon, contrary to claims that emerged over the past months that Washington was reviewing its support to the Lebanese army.”
“The US army regards the Lebanese military as a strategic partner in the region and in the efforts to fight terrorism and consolidate stability,” the sources said.
“Washington believes that investing in Lebanon’s security is made through the army because it represents the first line of defense against terrorism,” the sources added.
Military sources said the visit was aimed to review and evaluate the US assistance to Lebanon, determine its effectiveness and the need for future additional aid to the army.
