Visit of the LAF Commander to the French Republic

The 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. 
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.