The Lebanese Armed Forces Commander inaugurates the Naval Forces School building in Jounieh’s Naval Base

The Lebanese Armed Forces Commander, General Joseph Aoun, inaugurated in Jounieh’s Naval Base the school Building of the Naval Forces, after being constructed with funding from the German authorities. The German ambassador to Lebanon Mr. Kurt Stoeckl-Stillfried, the Chief of Defense of Germany General Carsten Breuer, the commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Maritime Task Force, Admiral Dirk Gärtner, the Director General of Land and Maritime Transport at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Dr. Ahmed Tamer, along with a number of military attachés, representatives of national universities, and several officers, were all present.

After unveiling the commemorative plaque of the building, a welcoming speech was delivered by the Navy Brigadier General (P.S.C.) Haitham Dannaoui, the chief of the Navy Forces in the Lebanese Armed Forces. The attendees were briefed on the Naval Forces School and the missions of the Navy. The LAF Commander also delivered a speech highlighting the ongoing initiatives undertaken by Germany to support the military institution and enhance its capabilities in maritime border monitoring and control, as well as protecting the maritime domain and its resources that Lebanon seeks to secure and utilize, especially the gas and oil wealth, which positively impacts national security and economy.

And he said, "The LAF today faces numerous and increasing challenges on various fronts, both internally and along the borders. Despite the economic crisis and its repercussions, the LAF personnel are carrying out their duties with utmost dedication and conviction, fully committed to all the assigned tasks on land, sea, and air."

And he added, "Perhaps the crisis of the Syrian displacement is the most challenging issue currently faced by the LAF, whether it is infiltration across the land borders or illegal migration by sea. The waves of displacement have noticeably increased in recent months, and we have repeatedly warned about it, calling upon everyone to shoulder their responsibilities from their respective positions. The LAF is currently tackling this challenge alone, despite all the geographic, logistical, and human resources complexities it entails, and it faces suspicious campaigns against it on a daily basis. In this context, I salute all our officers and personnel who are exerting their utmost efforts to mitigate displacement and its repercussions. I also salute the Naval Forces for their efforts in protecting the maritime borders and combating illegal migration by sea, despite all the difficulties and limited resources."

He concluded by expressing renewed gratitude to Germany and friendly countries for their support to the LAF and their confidence in it. On the other hand, Ambassador Stoeckl-Stillfried affirmed the continued cooperation of the German authorities with the LAF, particularly in enhancing its maritime capabilities. General Breuer highlighted the effective collaboration between the German and Lebanese armies, which has yielded positive results and reflects their professionalism and strong relationship.

In conclusion, the attendees took a tour of the building and were briefed on its departments and the functioning of the Naval Forces School.