Doha: Lebanon and the Netherlands signed a defense cooperation agreement on Tuesday. Lebanese Defense Minister Major General Michel Menassa and his Dutch counterpart Ruben Brekelmans formalized the agreement, marking a significant step in the ongoing collaboration between the two nations.
According to Qatar News Agency, following the signing, Menassa remarked on the Netherlands' substantial contributions to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) from 1979 to 1985, during which nine Dutch soldiers sacrificed their lives for peace. He expressed gratitude for the Netherlands' participation in the international monitoring team and highlighted its ongoing support for the Lebanese Army in enhancing its capabilities.
In his remarks, Dutch Defense Minister Brekelmans highlighted the deep historical ties between Lebanon and the Netherlands, emphasizing his country's commitment to maintaining and strengthening these bonds across multiple domains. Brekelmans reiterated the Netherlands' dedication to supporting the Lebanese state, its people, and its army in various capacities.