Lebanese minister praises Kuwait''s support for the country

Lebanese Minister of Defense Fayez Ghoson praised on Monday support and assistance of the State of Kuwait for the country, namely the aid given for the Lebanese Army. The minister, in a statement to KUNA, said the Kuwaiti assistance, including training of officers and logistical support, is aimed at helping the armed forces in carrying out defensive missions, and hoped that the Gulf state would continue to offer such help. Asked whether he plans to visit Kuwait, the minister expressed hope, in remarks to the Kuwaiti news agency, that he would be able to pay such a visit as soon as possible, also expressing wish that officials of the two countries would exchange more visits in the future for service of the joint interests. Ghoson was named the minister of defense in the recent cabinet line-up. The government is now headed by the veteran politician-businessmen, Neguib Mikati, who hails from the northern port city of Tripoli. The Lebanese Army, established some 50 years ago, is a 60,000-strong regular force, armed with medium-calibre arms, but lacks powerful air or naval weapons. In response to a question about needs of the army, vis a vis recurring skirmishes with the Israeli forces in the border region, Ghoson said, "the Lebanese Army constitutes a guarantee for the Lebanese and Arabs," alluding to its vital role of protecting the southern borders with Israel. Such aid is quite needed for the army to undertake its missions effectively for defending the security and independence of the country, he stressed. The Lebanese Army is in need for a lot of support and assistance because its responsibilities are enormous, he added. He confirmed the cooperation between the army and the international peacekeeping force, serving in South Lebanon, the UNIFIL, and finally expressed greetings to the Kuwaiti State, Amir and people, wishing to see further prosperity, progress and stability in this sisterly country. Ties between Kuwait and Lebanon have been very close since a long time ago. The two countries have joint interests at various levels, and the country is a favorite tourist and recreational destination for many Kuwaitis