BEIRUT, June 15 (Xinhua) -- French Ambassador to Lebanon Bruno Foucher said that France will start a training program for the Lebanese Army this week, the National News Agency reported on Saturday.
"The training is intended to enable Lebanon to acquire a strong ability at sea and exercise its full maritime sovereignty which is the cornerstone of the project of building the air-to-sea capabilities declared at the Second Rome Conference and supported by France," Foucher said on the occasion of the arrival of the French ship Dixmude which docked at Beirut's Port.
Dubbed "the Blue Cedar," the program is a new expression of the unique connection between France and Lebanon, a connection of joint effort and work, ambition, boldness and long-term friendship, said Foucher.
"France and Lebanon have very special ties, and Lebanon is our privileged partner in the region. We will always be ready to stand by the country in carrying out the courageous and essential measures to address the challenges it faces," the ambassador added.
