British Minister for Development Affairs Baroness Jenny Chapman concluded a two-day official visit to Lebanon, in her first visit since assuming her position, as part of a joint tour with the Qatari Minister of State for International Cooperation, Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misned, and the French Minister Plenipotentiary for Francophonie, International Partnerships, and French Persons Abroad, Eleonore Caroix.
The British Embassy in Beirut confirmed that the visit reflected a unified position of the United Kingdom, France and Qatar in support of Lebanon, and stressed the need to reduce escalation and enhance stability, in addition to continuing to provide humanitarian aid in coordination with the Lebanese government.
During the visit, Chapman announced a new British humanitarian aid package worth 13 million pounds, allocated to support the sectors of protection, education, health care, food security and basic services, bringing the total British aid provided to Lebanon since March to 43 million pounds sterling.
The visit witnessed meetings with the President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nabih Berri, and the Minister of Social Affairs, Hanin Al-Sayed, where support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and its official institutions was emphasized, in addition to discussing political, security, and humanitarian developments.
The British Minister also welcomed the ongoing talks between Lebanon and Israel, considering that the diplomatic path remains the best option to achieve lasting security and stability.
On the ground, Chapman visited a number of projects and programs funded by the United Kingdom in Beirut and Sidon, and was briefed on the humanitarian response efforts for the displaced and those affected by the war. She also met with officials in the Disaster Risk Management Unit and the Lebanese Red Cross.
The British Minister delivered eight ambulances funded by the United Kingdom to the Lebanese Red Cross, in a step aimed at strengthening emergency response and relief capabilities.
At the conclusion of her visit, Chapman considered that the American-Iranian understanding constitutes an important opportunity to reduce tensions in the region, stressing the necessity of ending hostilities in Lebanon and reaching a stable and permanent ceasefire.
She said that the Israeli escalation in Lebanon must stop, and also called for an end to the attacks on Israel, considering that the Lebanese people paid a heavy price for a conflict they did not choose.
For his part, the British Ambassador to Lebanon, Himesh Cowell, stressed that Chapman’s visit comes at a delicate moment, stressing continued coordination with the Lebanese government and humanitarian partners, and stressing the need for all parties to adhere to the ceasefire and respect international humanitarian law.
