Defence Online

HMS Dragon visits Lebanon

Maritime April 6, 2019

The Royal Navy’s most advanced warship has visited Lebanon to boost friendship between both countries.

The HMS Dragon docked in Beirut, Lebanon to host various events and demonstrations around the ship. The ship primarily tackles airborne threats and has been extremely successful in fighting narcotics trades, seizing over 18,000kgs of drugs.

British Ambassador to Lebanon Chris Rampling said: “The United Kingdom’s defence policy is ‘international by design’, meaning that our partnerships are central to all that we do. And standing on board this ship and looking around me, I think it is striking that Lebanon, too, is ‘International by Design.’ For our two countries share a great heritage of sailing and trading.”

“Friends, your security is our security. We have invested heavily in the LAF and ISF since 2011, as well as in education, Service Provision, Humanitarian assistance. Lebanon is one of the highest recipients of UK Aid in the region. The UK-Lebanon trading relationship is becoming stronger by the day, and will become more so.”

“The United Kingdom will continue to help the Lebanese people to build a strong, sovereign state. As we will continue to work with our partners, new and old, to support peace and stability in Lebanon, in this region, and across the World.”

During the stay, the ship hosted a reception attended by over 100 guests, led by representatives of President Michel Aoun, Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Speaker Nabih Berri: Defence Minister Elias Bou Saab, Information Minister Jamal El Jarrah and MP Yassine Jaber. The UK reinforced its commitment to a strong relationship with Lebanon and securing its future.