US Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea stressed on Friday the strength of Washington’s enduring partnership with the Lebanese Army.
“Now, more than ever, our security partnership is vitally important,” the diplomat said.
Shea spoke as she joined US Rear Admiral Curtis Renshaw and Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun to commemorate the conclusion of the Resolute Union 2021 Joint Military Exercise.
Conducted between May 17 and 28, Resolution Union is the US military’s largest annual exercise with the Lebanese Army to enhance interoperability and fortify military-to-military relations between the US Navy and the Lebanese Armed Forces.
Shea said the US State Department announced the intended transfer of $120 million for fiscal year 2021 to the Lebanese Army, while the Defense Department initiated the transfer of $59 million, which will be used primarily to strengthen the Lebanese Army’s security capabilities along the eastern border.
The ambassador stressed that Resolute Union is one of her country’s premier opportunities to share knowledge and expertise with the Lebanese Army and work side-by-side to complete challenging scenarios.
“Over the last two weeks, for example, our teams tackled explosive ordnance disposal, dive operations, and maritime search and seizure,” she said.
This week’s exercises also improve the interoperability of US forces, and help ensure that the LAF is fully equipped to counter smuggling and mitigate other threats at sea.
Shea said the US has stood with the LAF, just as it continues to stand with the Lebanese people.
She explained that since 2006, the US has provided more than $2.5 billion in military grant aid to Lebanon.
“This assistance helps strengthen Lebanon’s sovereignty, secure its borders, and counter internal and extremist threats,” Shea said, adding that she looks forward to re-convening next year for the next iteration of Resolute Union, and to continuing to deepen cooperation to the benefit of both countries.
