UK Political Director Christian Turner Concludes Visit to Lebanon
Turner’s visit focused on assessing the current situation in south Lebanon and how the UK can best support UNIFIL through the upcoming transition period.
Christian Turner with UNIFIL Commander
Dr Christian Turner, recently appointed as the UK’s next Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, concluded a two-day visit to Lebanon. This is part of his regional engagement ahead of assuming his new role in January.
During his visit, Dr Turner held meetings with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji. He also met UN Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator Imran Riza where they discussed the importance of support from the UN and its member states for the security and stability of Lebanon.
In Naqoura he met with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Force Commander General Diodato Abagnara, UNIFIL Deputy Head of Mission and the Director of Division for Political and Civil Affairs Hervé Lecoq, and UNIFIL Chief of Staff Major General Paul Sanzey. He also met with UNTSO Observer Group Lebanon.
Turner’s visit to Naqoura focused on assessing the current situation in south Lebanon and how the United Kingdom can best support UNIFIL through the upcoming transition period.
At the end of his visit, Dr Turner said:
I’ve been in Lebanon today to meet with the Government of Lebanon, UNFIL and other UN agencies to discuss how the UK can best continue our support for the Lebanese people.
As the UNIFIL mandate comes to an end, the UK will continue to work with these partners to make sure there is a responsible and orderly transition.
That means continuing our partnership with the Lebanese Armed Forces and strengthening their presence in southern Lebanon, as Lebanon’s sole legitimate defender.