UAE pledges $200 million to support Lebanon armed forces
The United Arab Emirates said on 7 April that it will give Lebanon's armed forces $200 million in aid to help 'stabilise' the country.
The foreign ministry said that $100 million would go to the army and $100 million to other state security services in Lebanon, which borders Syria.
The oil-rich Gulf country said its support was a 'continuation of efforts made for the stability and prosperity of [Lebanon's] people'.
The 'resilience and strength' of Lebanon's military and security institutions was a priority given the region's 'delicate circumstances', the statement said.
At a mid-March meeting in Rome, the international community pledged to help strengthen the Lebanese army.
France, in particular, said it would release a credit line of €400 million ($492 million).
On 6 March the international community announced it would provide more than $11 billion to modernise Lebanon's economy and strengthen its stability, threatened by regional crises, particularly the war in neighbouring Syria.
The loans and donations, announced at a conference in Paris aimed at supporting the Lebanese economy, are intended to help finance investment projects over the next five years.
Fears of an economic crisis have hovered over the Middle Eastern country since the crisis in Syria began more than seven years ago, pushing more than one million refugees to flee across the border into Lebanon.
More from Defence Notes
-
![What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration]()
What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
-
![RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific]()
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
![Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard]()
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
-
![UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?]()
UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October is the first by a Labour government in 14 years. While it sees a boost in defence spending, this comes in the face of fiscal challenges and the effects of inflation.
-
![UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review]()
UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review
The changes are intended to meet greater need and deliver more value for money.
-
![US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities]()
US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities
BAE Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin have been betting on new facilities and innovative manufacturing technologies to speed up the development of new solutions.
