National Defense Minister Michel Menassa received Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal at his office in Yarzeh, heading a delegation that included members of the Military Council and senior Army officers.

The visit was held to thank Menassa for his positions in support of the military institution and for his stance toward fallen soldiers and their families.

"You have never let down the families of the martyrs, and you never will. You made us proud and upheld the dignity of the Army," Haykal told Menassa in response to the defense minister’s statement earlier Thursday.

Haykal stressed that the Army’s objectives were national and centered on protecting Lebanon and safeguarding its security and stability, adding that "there is no sect among those who wear the military uniform."

Menassa, for his part, described the Army as "the backbone of the state," stressing that it would remain steadfast in fulfilling its duties and making sacrifices for the country.

He called for strengthening unity within the military institution and praised Haykal, the Army command, officers and troops, saying the current phase required greater cohesion and cooperation to enable the Army to continue carrying out its national responsibilities and protecting Lebanon.