October 19, 2026
The developments of the situation in southern Lebanon and the scenarios proposed for the period after the end of the missions of the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) topped the diplomatic discussions of the Minister of National Defense, Major General Michel Mansi, in parallel with efforts to enhance the prospects for military cooperation with Egypt.
In this context, Minister Mansi received in his office in the Yarzeh region the new Swedish ambassador to Lebanon, Thomas Brondin, on an introductory introduction visit on the occasion of his official assumption of his diplomatic duties. The two sides discussed the general atmosphere on the local and regional arenas, with a special focus on field developments in southern Lebanon, and the future arrangements that follow the end of UNIFIL’s role. The meeting concluded with Mansi wishing the Swedish ambassador success in his new duties.
In a related context, the Minister of Defense met with the new Egyptian Ambassador to Lebanon, Tamim Khallaf, in a similar introduction visit on the occasion of his appointment to his position. The two sides reviewed the current developments in Lebanon and the region, and discussed ways to improve bilateral relations between Beirut and Cairo, paying special attention to developing joint cooperation in the defense field. At the conclusion of the meeting, Mansi wished the Egyptian ambassador success in his new diplomatic duties.
