The Minister of Social Affairs (MOSA) of the Republic of Lebanon, Mr. Wael Abou Faour, accompanied by Major-General Abdul Rahman Shehaitly, LAF Government Coordinator, today paid a visit to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) where he met with UNIFIL Deputy Head of Mission and Director of Political and Civil Affairs Mr. Milos Strugar, and the Mission’s military and civilian senior leadership.

The purpose of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at affirming the determination of the MOSA and UNIFIL to form a sustainable partnership to strengthen social development in UNIFIL area of operations.

During the meeting UNIFIL Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Milos Strugar emphasized the great importance UNIFIL attaches to its relations with the local population among whom the Mission is operating: “In order to effectively implement our mandated tasks UNIFIL liaises with local government representatives, community representatives, civil society groups and international agencies engaged in recovery and development activities” and he added “by signing this Memorandum of Understanding we are stepping up our partnership with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the Lebanese authorities and enhancing our mutual capabilities.

Our combined efforts should be directed at providing assistance to the local population, in line with UN Security Council resolution 1701.”

After signing the Memorandum of Understanding Minister Wael Abou Faour said “I am here in Naqoura to sign a very important document that will enhance the good partnership we have been having with UNIFIL, to work together for the benefit of the population and to share our social development centers for the implementation of common projects aimed at improving the life of the people in the south of Lebanon.” The Minister added that “I am also here to extend the gratitude of the Lebanese Government to UNIFIL and to send a clear message in support of the Mission’s mandate. We deeply appreciate your efforts and the work you are carrying out with the local communities”

During the visit, the Minister was briefed about issues related to the implementation of UNIFIL's mandate under UN Security Council resolution 1701, with particular focus on cooperation between UNIFIL and the LAF and the Lebanese authorities.