Senior delegations from the United States and Lebanon met May 16-17 in Washington, D.C. for the fourth meeting of the U.S.-Lebanon Joint Military Commission (JMC). The JMC is the premier bilateral forum for senior U.S. and Lebanese government and military officials to discuss ongoing security assistance and military cooperation, as well as develop plans for a security partnership.
The meeting covered a number of security issues including the ongoing conflict in Syria and combating extremism. The U.S. delegation was led by Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Kathryn Wheelbarger and the Lebanese delegation was led by Chief of Defense General Joseph Aoun.
Kathryn Wheelbarger said: “Lebanon is a critical partner for security in the Middle East.”
“These discussions have been productive and build on an already robust partnership.”
The US is a primary partner with Lebanon and has provided $2 billion since 2006 for the nation’s security. During the meeting, the delegates also discussed ongoing assistance and future collaborative projects.
Most recently, a joint training operation was held in Mississippi which brought together forces from Lebanon, Trinidad and Tobago, Romania, and Italy. The course taught personnel vital first aid treatment to help them deal with injuries during missions.
The meeting also included personnel from the US Department of Defence and the Lebanon Armed Forces. The two parties also agreed on a meeting being held again next year to facilitate a continued relationship.
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injury Lebanon Syria Training exercise US Department of Defense USA Washington