Handover ceremony of Sillinger Rafale boats offered by the French authorities

Beirut Naval Base hosted the handover ceremony of 4 rigid hull inflatable boats type (Sillinger Rafale 1200) offered as a donation from the French authorities to the LAF.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Ms. Zeina Akar and the Ambassador of France to Lebanon Mr. Bruno Foucher attended the ceremony.

Ms. Akar praised the historic relation joining Lebanon and France and expressed her gratitude to the French State for providing weapons, developed military equipment and gear to the LAF in light of the French administration’s commitment to assist in the development process of the LAF.

In his turn, Ambassador Foucher stressed France’s determination to boost the LAF’s capabilities, particularly the Lebanese Navy and considered that this donation comes in the framework of strengthening maritime sovereignty. At the end of the ceremony, Deputy Chief of Staff for Equipment Brigadier General P.S.C Nasr read an appreciation letter addressed by the LAF Commander and handed it over to the French Ambassador and offered him the LAF commemorative shield as a token of appreciation for his efforts in assisting the LAF.

The Lebanese Navy Commander Colonel P.S.C Haytham Donnawi also offered Deputy Prime Minister Akar a commemorative shield.