- New UK-funded operating bases and training help the Lebanese Army deliver regional security
- Support for vulnerable civilians and refugees in Lebanon announced by Minister to be delivered by the Lebanese Red Cross
- Minister supports humanitarian efforts across the Middle East as he visits Egyptian hospital conducting UK-backed training of Egyptian doctors to support the treatment of Palestinian patients
The UK is continuing to step up and support peace in the Middle East and humanitarian efforts as Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer makes his first official visit to Lebanon.
Visiting a newly built UK-funded Forward Operating Base for the Lebanese Armed Forces, the Minister saw how the UK is supporting the Lebanese Army’s ability to increase their presence in the south and bolster regional stability. UK support to Lebanese security forces helps to maintain stability for the wider region.
Announcing £500,000 for the Lebanese Red Cross via the British Red Cross, the Minister emphasised how the UK will support them to boost crisis preparedness and disaster response. This is part of a broader package of UK aid to Lebanon that will provide humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable communities, including displaced civilians and refugees, to help them meet their basic needs.
Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer said:
Across the region, the UK is supporting efforts towards a lasting peace through tireless diplomacy, humanitarian support, and security cooperation.
In Lebanon, I saw the devastating impact of conflict and how UK support is strengthening the Lebanese Armed Forces through new Forward Operating Bases and training. Our humanitarian programmes are helping communities to meet their basic needs and children return to learning.
In Egypt, I was privileged to see UK support in action. Delivered through WHO Egypt, UK funding is providing medical staff with the training required and vital equipment needed to deliver lifesaving care for Palestinians evacuated from Gaza.
The UK is determined to work with regional partners to build stability and hope for the future. It is these partnerships abroad that make us stronger at home.
During his visit to Lebanon, the Minister held talks with President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, and Chief of Defence General Rudolph Haykal around the importance of security and advancing Lebanese state reforms.
In a trip that reflected on conflicts in the wider region and the current situation in Gaza, Minister Falconer also visited a hospital in Egypt which is treating medically evacuated Gazan patients and training Egyptian doctors to continue supporting future waves of medical evacuees from Gaza.
After healthcare provisions in Gaza have been decimated by bombardment and aid restrictions, the UK has supported those who have been medically evacuated to the wider region by providing funding to the WHO.
The £3m in funding over the conflict has helped to improve care for Palestinian patients evacuated from Gaza, and includes equipment and training for staff in hospitals treating complex injuries and long-term conditions.
The Minister also represented the UK at the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, a landmark cultural project showcasing Egypt’s heritage, and where the UK supported the Museum in achieving EDGE certification which recognises excellence in green building standards and sustainability.
The UK is working intensively with regional partners to prevent further escalation in the region. This includes pressing for humanitarian access into Gaza, and long-term security cooperation with Lebanon through development of infrastructure, training, and equipment for the Lebanese Armed Forces.
The goal is clear: we must turn these ceasefires into lasting peace and create the conditions for recovery and reconstruction across the region.
