By Yusuf Alioglu
ISTANBUL (AA) - Lebanese Army Commander Gen. Joseph Aoun held discussions with French Army Chief of Staff General Thierry Burkhard on Saturday, focusing on ways to enhance military cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting took place during Burkhard's visit to Beirut, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.
The talks between Aoun and Burkhard addressed "the general situation in Lebanon, ways to strengthen cooperation between the two armies, and continuing support for the Lebanese Army under the current circumstances," the agency reported.
France is a member of the quintet committee overseeing the implementation of the cease-fire between Lebanon and Israel, alongside the US and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Under the terms of the cease-fire, Israel is required to withdraw its forces south of the Blue Line – a de facto border – in phases, while the Lebanese army is to deploy in southern Lebanon within 60 days.
Data from the Lebanese Health Ministry indicates that since Israel’s onslaught against Lebanon began on Oct. 8, 2023, at least 4,063 victims have been killed, including women, children, and health workers, while 16,664 others have been injured.
*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala