The Embassy of Japan in Lebanon and UNOPS announced the signing of a project in support of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).
Funded by the Government of Japan, the project “Urgent Support to Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) through Enhancement of Health Services and Critical Operations” aims to enhance Lebanon’s security and stability by strengthening the operational capacity of the LAF. UNOPS will install renewable energy solutions and provide much needed medical equipment to the LAF health facilities which play a critical role in providing necessary health services amid the acute energy and security crisis in Lebanon.
Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Joseph Auon expressed his gratitude to the People and Government of Japan for supporting the military institutions in Lebanon, saying that: “The continuous support provided by the countries and their peoples is significantly important to ensure our preparedness against all odds.” He added, “this timely initiative contributes to LAF's shift to adopting renewable energy solutions in order to protect the environment and save costs.”
Japan Ambassador to Lebanon, H.E. Mr. Masayuki Magoshi, said: “The Lebanese army remained a guarantor of Lebanon’s unity and peace throughout the severe socio-economic crisis that the country has been going through. Japan believes that now more than ever local and international partners should rally behind the Lebanese army to support it in fulfilling its missions. For this reason the Japanese Government has decided to support key military medical facilities through UNOPS, with the aim of enhancing the army’s healthcare capacities and increasing the resilience of the military personnel and their families.”
UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka said that the Lebanese Armed Forces play a critical role in ensuring Lebanon’s security and stability. “The importance of a strong and well-resourced Lebanese Armed Forces as integral to the successful implementation of Resolution 1701 (2006) is further underscored by recent developments,” the Special Coordinator said.
"We are grateful for this new initiative in supporting the critical role of the Lebanese Armed Forces in Lebanon, and for our continued partnership with the Government of Japan. Through this project, UNOPS aims at enhancing the operational capacity of LAF in providing essential health services” said Muhammad Usman Akram, Representative and Director of UNOPS Operational Hub in Amman.
This support will help targeted health facilities to provide the needed health services to more than 100,000 active Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) personnel, retirees, and their families. In addition, this project will indirectly benefit 400,000 LAF soldiers and their immediate families.