Raggi, EU’s Charles Fries discuss strengthening Lebanese Army and post-UNIFIL cooperation
10/9/2025 12:47:00 PM
Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi met with Charles Fries, Deputy Secretary-General for Peace, Security and Defense at the European External Action Service (EEAS), accompanied by EU Ambassador to Lebanon Sandra De Waele and a delegation from the Union.
Discussions focused on enhancing EU support for Lebanon, particularly to reinforce the Lebanese Army’s capacity to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701, extend its deployment in the south, and advance the national plan to ensure all weapons remain under state control.
Raggi thanked the EU for its ongoing support across multiple sectors and stressed the importance of sustained assistance as the army prepares for increased responsibilities following UNIFIL’s mandate conclusion in 2026.
Moreover, the Minister urged the EU to pressure Israel to cease its daily attacks, withdraw from occupied Lebanese territories, and release detainees.
In turn, Fries reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to Lebanon’s stability, welcoming its reform path and pledging continued cooperation on defense, security, and refugee return.
Discussions focused on enhancing EU support for Lebanon, particularly to reinforce the Lebanese Army’s capacity to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701, extend its deployment in the south, and advance the national plan to ensure all weapons remain under state control.
Raggi thanked the EU for its ongoing support across multiple sectors and stressed the importance of sustained assistance as the army prepares for increased responsibilities following UNIFIL’s mandate conclusion in 2026.
Moreover, the Minister urged the EU to pressure Israel to cease its daily attacks, withdraw from occupied Lebanese territories, and release detainees.
In turn, Fries reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to Lebanon’s stability, welcoming its reform path and pledging continued cooperation on defense, security, and refugee return.