General Rodolphe Haykal met with outgoing and incoming Russian military attachés, the Danish military attaché, a senior Shia cleric, and representatives of the journalists' union.
Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal received Russian military attaché Colonel Yuri Penkov at his office in Yarzeh on a farewell visit marking the end of his posting. Haykal was introduced to Penkov's successor, Major General Pytor Krivoruchko, during the meeting.
The Commander also met with Danish military attaché Colonel Thomas Eddelien, who was accompanied by Danish embassy chargé d'affaires Jacob Faber and an embassy delegation. The discussions centred on cooperation between the Lebanese and Danish militaries.
Haykal received Mufti of Tyre and Jabel Amel Qadi Sheikh Hassan Abdallah, who stressed the importance of rallying around the army during the current exceptional circumstances.
The Commander then met with union head of journalists Joseph Kassify and a delegation from the journalists' syndicate. The meeting reviewed the general situation, recent developments, and the substantial efforts being made by the military institution despite current difficulties, particularly in the south where Israeli occupation forces continue attacks.
The delegation emphasised the army's role in maintaining stability, internal unity and civil peace. Both sides stressed the importance of the military's work in these areas as the country faces ongoing security challenges.
Journalists' union representatives and delegation members expressed their appreciation for the sacrifices made by the army and its national role. They affirmed the necessity of solidarity with the military institution as the guarantor of Lebanon's unity and security.
These meetings reflect the military's continued engagement with key domestic and international partners. The visits underscore ongoing efforts by the army to maintain relationships with allied nations and demonstrate support from civilian institutions.
The Russian military attaché meeting marked a transition point in diplomatic ties between the Lebanese and Russian armed forces. The introduction of the new attaché signals continuity in the military relationship between the two countries.
The broader series of meetings illustrated the Commander's outreach across multiple constituencies at a time when the army faces intensified operational demands in southern Lebanon. Such consultations typically aim to build consensus around military operations and institutional priorities during periods of heightened security pressure.
