The Lebanese Armed Force (LAF) Commander General Rodolph Haykal visited France on the 17th and 18th of June 2025, at the official invitation of his French counterpart, Chief of the Staff of the French Armed Forces General Thierry Burkhard.

The visit aimed to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in addressing current challenges and to present the LAF’s needs.

General Haykal also attended an official reception at the residence of the French Minister of Defense, Sébastien Lecornu, the Lebanese Army said in a statement.

During the visit, General Haykal met with his French counterpart at the French Armed Forces Headquarters, where he was accorded official honors. They discussed recent developments and underscored the importance of the longstanding partnership and enhancing cooperation between the Lebanese and French Armies, as well as maintaining close coordination within the framework of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

General Haykal also toured the Planning and Operations Command Center at the French Armed Forces Headquarters. Additionally, General Haykal visited the 55th Paris Air Show at Le Bourget, where he met with senior officials from the French Ministry of Armed Forces.

In another development, the LAF Commander General Rodolph Haykal visited on Monday, June 23, 2025, the Command of the 3rd Infantry Brigade in Joub Jannine, where he met with the officers and the soldiers. He praised their success in ensuring the security of the municipal and mayoral elections, commending their outstanding performance in maintaining stability despite the delicate situation in the region. He also listened to a briefing on the tasks executed in the area of responsibility and visited the Bayader El Aadas-Rashaya post.

The LAF Commander emphasized that the efforts of the military personnel, regardless of their ranks and roles, contribute to safeguarding the nation and protecting the Lebanese people's security from the current crises. He added, “The military institution will continue to fulfill its responsibilities and will not back down regardless of the challenges.”

Additionally, General Haykal visited the command of the 3rd Land Border Regiment in Aita El Foukhar, where he received a briefing on the regiment's missions.

He addressed the officers and soldiers, stating: “Your efforts in maintaining security are significant, as security is the foundation for the stability necessary to boost the economy and enhance confidence in Lebanon. We must continue to sacrifice and exhibit determination and resolve in the face of difficulties.”

He concluded by noting that the Command is making diligent efforts to improve the conditions of military personnel and is in continuous communication with the relevant parties in the Lebanese state.

He also visited the Idris Castle center near the Lebanese-Syrian border, emphasizing the importance of soldiers’ role in monitoring and securing the borders. (Source & Photo © Lebanese Army)