Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East Policy Spence Visits Lebanon

January 10, 2014

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East Policy Dr. Matthew Spence visited Lebanon this week and met with political and military leaders including President Michel Sleiman, Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander General Jean Kahwagi, and LAF Chief of Staff Major General Walid Salman.  Dr. Spence underscored the strength of the U.S-Lebanese defense relationship and the United States' support for Lebanon in the context of regional developments.  Dr. Spence discussed U.S. support for the LAF through ongoing security cooperation programs.  U.S. assistance to the LAF and ISF, totaling more than $1 billion since 2005, strengthens the capacity of Lebanon's security forces and supports their missions of securing Lebanon's borders and defending the sovereignty and independence of the state.  Dr. Spence reiterated the ongoing and enduring commitment of the United States to Lebanon, and its commitment to the LAF and preventing spillover from Syrian conflict into Lebanon.