Beirut - Lebanon on Monday received the first French weapons in a $3 billion Saudi-funded programme intended to bolster its army to take on jihadist threats, particularly along its border with Syria.
French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian accompanied the first tranche of weapons, including anti-tank guided missiles, which were handed over at an air force base in Beirut.
"France and Lebanon have a fraternal relationship that has been marked over the past three years by a sharp deterioration in the security situation in the Levant, which has become an existential threat to the region," Le Drian said.
"Lebanon is under unprecedented pressure (from jihadist groups)... and this makes border control vital for its security," he added.
"In this critical context, it is therefore essential that Lebanon's friends and allies mobilise to contribute to its security and stability."
Over the next four years, France is expected to deliver to Lebanon 250 combat and transport vehicles, seven Cougar helicopters, three small warships and a range of surveillance and communications equipment.
The entire $3 billion (2.8 billion euro) cost of the programme is being borne by Saudi Arabia.
AFP
