Minister Dion announces $8 million in security, defence and stabilization assistance for Lebanon as he concludes a successful five-day visit
December 5, 2016 – Beirut, Lebanon - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Stephane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today concluded a productive five-day visit to Lebanon and announced new support Canada will be providing to reinforce the country’s security and stability. The announcement includes projects to help Lebanon cope with the pressures associated with the significant influx of refugees that is a result of the brutal conflict in Syria. The funding also supports Lebanon’s new government to build its own capacity to provide critical services to all Lebanese people.
Canada’s assistance will help foster social stability by engaging Lebanese and Syrian women and will contribute to Lebanon’s security by preventing the expansion of Daesh into the country. It will also directly support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), reduce crime and empower youth against extremism. These projects are funded by Global Affairs Canada and are delivered in partnership with Canada’s National Defence, the United Nations and other organizations.
While in Lebanon, Minister Dion held productive meetings with Michel Aoun, Lebanon’s president, and with Saad Hariri, Lebanon’s prime minister-designate, and held extensive discussions with his counterpart, Gebran Bassil, Lebanon’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants. The meetings focused on the political and security developments in the region and on Canada’s support for enhancing economic, social and political resilience in Lebanon. Minister Dion also met with representatives of multilateral organizations that Canada is supporting to hear how assistance and support are provided to both refugees and host communities in Lebanon.
During his visit, Minister Dion visited two informal tented settlements for which Canada is providing humanitarian assistance to help meet the basic education, food, health, water, shelter and protection needs of Syrian and Palestinian refugees.
He also visited the Rayak Air Base and the LAF Land Border Regiment along the border with Syria, where he announced Canada’s contribution of winter and mountain gear for the LAF so they can protect the border with Syria, and reinforced Canada’s support and appreciation for the LAF’s efforts in protecting Lebanon’s stability and security.
Quotes
“Canada and Lebanon have a strong and deeply rooted relationship, and our two countries continue to work closely together to achieve peace, security and stability in the Middle East. We hope Canada’s support will help Lebanon and its host communities build resilience and cope with the ongoing crisis in the region.”
- Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
Lebanon has the highest number of refugees per capita in the world, representing close to a quarter of its population. There are more than 1 million UNHCR-registered refugees in Lebanon, with the vast majority originating from Syria.
Canada has resettled more than 35,000 Syrian refugees in Canada since November 2015, almost half of them coming from Lebanon.
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Chantal Gagnon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
343-203-1851
chantal.gagnon@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
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media@international.gc.ca
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