Franco-Lebanese Agreement Boosts Support for Army Medical Services

Lebanon and France have officially entered into an agreement aimed at enhancing the collaboration between their military forces, particularly in the realm of medical training and support. The pact, inked on Tuesday in Beirut by Lebanese Army Commander Joseph Aoun and French Armed Forces Director-General of Health Services Jacques Margery, was announced by Lebanon’s National News Agency. French Ambassador to Lebanon Hervé Magro was also present during the signing.

Under the terms of this agreement, France commits to assisting the Lebanese army by training its medical personnel, providing medical supplies and equipment, and aiding in the development of military medical facilities. The initiative is set against the backdrop of Lebanon’s severe economic turmoil, which has been ongoing since 2019. This crisis has significantly devalued the Lebanese pound and slashed public sector salaries, deeply affecting the living standards of Lebanese servicemen, among others.

The meeting between Aoun and Margery also covered broader military cooperation topics, aiming to reinforce Lebanon’s military capabilities.

French-Lebanese military cooperation is rooted in a long-standing relationship that has evolved significantly over the years. France, having established a mandate over Lebanon after World War I, has remained a key military and political ally since Lebanon’s independence in 1943. Over the decades, this partnership has been characterized by various forms of support, including military training, arms supplies, and logistical assistance. In recent years, France has played a crucial role in bolstering the Lebanese Armed Forces through direct military aid, training programs, and the provision of sophisticated weaponry and equipment. This support aims not only to enhance Lebanon’s defensive capabilities but also to stabilize the country and the broader region.