Visit of the Army Commander-in-Chief to the Republic of Cyprus

Army Commander-In-Chief General Rodolph Haykal visited the Republic of Cyprus on 7 and 8 October 2026, at the official invitation of his Cypriot counterpart, Lieutenant General Emmanouel Theodorou, Chief of the National Guard General Staff.

General Haykal began his visit at the Cypriot Ministry of Defence, where he was accorded an official reception ceremony. He then met with Minister of Defence Vasilis Palmas, in the presence of Lieutenant General Theodorou.

The discussions focused on the latest developments in Lebanon and the region, matters of mutual interest, and ways to strengthen cooperation between the Lebanese and Cypriot armies amid the challenges facing the region.

General Haykal subsequently laid a wreath at the memorial to the fallen.

He also visited several military facilities, including the Cyclops Training Center, where he met with Lebanese Army officers attending training courses, as well as the Joint Rescue Coordination Center. He was briefed on ongoing exercises and various missions, particularly joint training activities between the Lebanese and Cypriot armies.

In addition, Lebanon’s Ambassador to Cyprus, Rina Charbel, hosted a dinner in General Haykal’s honour at the Lebanese Embassy, attended by several Arab ambassadors and Arab and Cypriot diplomatic figures.