End of Gen. Haykal's visit to Pakistan

BEIRUT — The commander-in-chief of the Lebanese Army, Gen. Rodolphe Haykal, concluded an official visit to Pakistan from June 6 to 9, at the invitation of counterpart, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, chief of staff of the Pakistani army and commander of the defense forces, the army announced Wednesday.

According to a statement from the military institution, Haykal was received with honors in a ceremony held at the headquarters of the Pakistani armed forces. Together with Field Marshal Asim Munir, he discussed “regional developments and issues of common interest, particularly security and defense.”

Munir highlighted “the importance of the historic relations between the two countries,” while Haykal praised “the professionalism of the Pakistani army, its role in strengthening regional security and stability, as well as its efforts in maintaining international peace.”

An expanded meeting, bringing together officers from both armies, was then held to examine ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, especially in the field of military training, as well as support for the Lebanese army in facing current challenges.

The commander-in-chief also visited several Pakistani military industry installations and enterprises, where he learned about the sector's technological and industrial capabilities, as well as prospects for future cooperation between the two countries.

Pakistan continues to pursue mediation efforts between the United States and Iran to consolidate the cease-fire. Tehran insists that the Lebanese issue be included in any comprehensive agreement, arguing that developments in Lebanon cannot be separated from the broader regional file.

Lebanon, for its part, has entered into direct negotiations with Israel in a separate framework. For some observers, Haykal's visit is an additional sign of the link between the Lebanese file and the so-called Islamabad process.

However, sources close to the army say that such a trip could not have taken place without a green light from the United States, emphasizing that the commander-in-chief does not intend to diverge from the line of Washington, the main supporter of the Lebanese Army.