The Ministry of National Defense of Lebanon, the United Nations Special Coordinator’s Office for  Lebanon (UNSCOL), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Lebanon signed a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at coordinating international support for the Lebanese Army, with generous financial support from several donor countries and partners, including the European Union, Germany, France, Spain, Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The MoU was signed during an official ceremony held at the Lebanese Armed Forces headquarters in Yarzeh.

The MoU was signed by His Excellency, the Minister of National Defense, Major General Pilot Michel Menassah, Deputy Special Coordinator, and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon, Mr. Imran Riza, representing the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, and UNDP Resident Representative in Lebanon, Ms. Blerta Aliko. In the presence of the Lebanese Army Commander in Chief, General Rodolph Haykal, the ceremony was attended by several ambassadors & defense advisers from the United States, the European Union, Japan, Qatar, Spain, Egypt, Belgium, Norway, Jordan, Germany, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Australia as well as UN stakeholders.

This agreement reflects the ongoing partnership between the Lebanese Army and the United Nations. The UN has reiterated its unwavering support for the Lebanese Armed Forces performing its duties and standing by its side in efforts to maintain stability and strengthen the sovereignty of the state. This tripartite cooperation symbolizes the strong relationship between the Lebanese Army, the United Nations, and Lebanon’s international partners, underscoring a collective commitment to supporting stability across the country, in alignment with United Nations Security Council resolution 1701.

For its part, the Lebanese Army affirmed its firm commitment to its national mission of protecting sovereignty and maintaining security and stability. It praised the ongoing cooperation with the United Nations and expressed deep appreciation for the trust placed in the Lebanese military by the international community. The Army stressed that this initiative reflects the spirit of constructive collaboration within an agreed framework, consistent with international standards, and ensuring full respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty.

In remarks delivered for the occasion, the Minister of National Defense Major General Pilot Michel Menassah expressed his gratitude to those in attendance and to international partners for their continued support to Lebanese institutions, particularly the Lebanese Army. He considered the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding a significant milestone that strengthens cooperation with UNDP, UNSCOL and the countries represented at the event.

The Minister commended the Lebanese Army for its efforts and resilience amid political, economic, and security challenges, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership with donor countries to maintain Lebanon's stability and contribute to the enhancement of security and stability in the region.

The Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, General Rodolph Haykal, underlined that Lebanon is facing a series of challenges, which have created immense pressure on security, economic, and social fronts, and have increased the responsibilities placed upon the military institution. He noted that the Army is carrying out key missions, most notably extending the state's authority over the entire Lebanese territory, in accordance with Security Council resolutions—particularly United Nations Security Council resolution 1701—in close coordination with UNIFIL, while also maintaining internal security, combating terrorism, controlling the northern and eastern borders, and preventing infiltration and smuggling.

Deputy Special Coordinator and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon, Mr. Imran Riza, stated: “The LAF is an integral cornerstone in the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 and the extension of State authority. In short, the LAF is a custodian of Lebanon’s stability.” He added: “Our collective efforts in supporting the LAF are now more critical than ever. This MoU will be one tool in wider efforts to enable the Army to maintain its momentum and live up to the huge expectations facing it by supporting the coordination of international support to the LAF, specifically by providing for essential needs of its personnel, in compliance with the UN Human Rights Due Diligence Policy.”

In this context, UNDP Resident Representative in Lebanon, Ms. Blerta Aliko, stated: “UNDP is proud of its partnership with the Ministry of Defense and UNSCOL, which reflects our shared priority and firm commitment to supporting Lebanon’s peace and security.  This agreement marks a crucial step in our collective efforts to support government institutions towards implementation of reforms necessary to tackle the unprecedented crisis. The institutional and operational capacities of the Lebanese Armed Forces and its service members are fundamental to maintaining national stability. UNDP will continue to advocate for sustained support to Lebanon’s security institutions, as stability is the foundation upon which lasting peace, recovery, and inclusive development must be built.”