RAWALPINDI (MNN); Commander-in-Chief of the Lebanese Armed Forces, General Rodolphe Haykal, met with Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Tuesday to discuss regional security developments and bilateral defence cooperation.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), General Haykal was accorded a guard of honour by a smartly turned-out tri-services contingent upon his arrival at GHQ.
During the meeting, the two military leaders exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, the evolving regional security environment, defence cooperation, and opportunities to further strengthen military-to-military relations between Pakistan and Lebanon.
The discussions focused on expanding professional interactions, enhancing training cooperation, and deepening institutional linkages between the armed forces of the two countries. Both sides expressed a shared desire to strengthen collaboration in areas of common interest.
Field Marshal Asim Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to its longstanding and friendly relationship with Lebanon, emphasizing the importance Islamabad attaches to bilateral ties. He also underscored the Pakistan Army’s resolve to broaden defence cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces and promote greater engagement between the two militaries.
General Haykal, in turn, praised the professionalism and operational capabilities of Pakistan’s armed forces. He acknowledged their contributions to regional peace and stability, as well as their significant role in international peacekeeping missions.
The ISPR stated that the visit reflects the mutual commitment of Pakistan and Lebanon to enhancing defence relations and fostering closer military cooperation.
General Haykal’s visit comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East. He departed for Pakistan on Saturday amid Islamabad’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to help ease tensions arising from the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has also had repercussions for Lebanon.
The Lebanese military had earlier announced that General Haykal was visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Field Marshal Asim Munir, although it did not disclose additional details regarding the purpose or duration of the visit.
