Participation of General Haykal in the Cairo Preparatory Meeting for the International Conference to Support the Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces
On 24/02/2026, the Lebanese Army Commander-in-Chief, General Rodolph Haykal and Director General of the Internal Security Forces Major General Raed Abdullah participated in the Cairo preparatory meeting for the International Conference to Support the Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces, invited by the Arab Republic of Egypt. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Dr. Badr Abdel Aaty, as well as representatives of the Quintet Committee concerned with Lebanon, including: Advisor to the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Yazid bin Farhan; French Envoy and former Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian; Qatari State Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi; in addition to a delegation representing the United States of America; the Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States Hossam Zaki; the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Ms. Jeanine Hennis Plasschaert; and representatives of the Military Technical Committee for Lebanon (MTC4L), the Ceasefire Supervision Committee (Mechanism), and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
During the conference, the Lebanese side presented a detailed briefing on the needs of the military institution and the steps taken to implement the Army’s plan aimed at extending the authority of the Lebanese state over its entire territory. They also addressed the challenges facing the military units.
The participants commended the performance of the military institution in implementing the plan and its role in preserving Lebanon’s security and stability. They affirmed their countries’ determination to enhance the Army’s capabilities, including logistical and operational capacities. They also emphasized that Lebanon’s stability is a fundamental pillar of regional stability, stressing the importance of coordinated regional and international efforts to support Lebanon during this critical phase.
On the other hand, General Haykal expressed his gratitude to the participating countries for standing by the Army and Lebanon amid the current challenges.
On the sidelines of the conference, General Haykal met with the Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces and Minister of Defense and Military Production, Lieutenant General Ashraf Salem Zaher, in the presence of Egyptian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Ahmed Khalifa and a number of officers. Discussions covered matters of mutual interest, ways to enhance cooperation between the two armies, and the latest regional and international developments.
General Haykal also praised Egypt’s active regional and international role, expressing his deep appreciation for the support provided by the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Lebanese Army and for its continued support for Lebanon.
