BEIRUT: The new British ambassador to Lebanon, Tom Fletcher, was officially recognized Thursday when he presented his credentials to President Michel Sleiman.

In his first official statement, in English and Arabic via video message, Fletcher said: ‘‘I am delighted to be taking up this post, and determined to do all I can to enhance the partnership between the U.K. and this extraordinary country … with a wonderful people.”

“We will focus our efforts on support to Lebanese stability, democracy and rule of law, and to providing a first class service to British citizens,” he added.

“Politically, we [will] work with our Lebanese partners to promote democracy, stability and human rights here and in the wider region.”

He also stressed the commercial opportunities available to Britons in Lebanon, saying: “If you’re coming to invest, you’ve made a good decision, and we can help you with that.”

“We have a thriving defense relationship, through which we aim to bolster Lebanese stability. And the British Council is active in promoting with enthusiasm British culture and education in Lebanon,” he added.

British Defense Attache Lt. Col. Giles Taylor and Deputy Head of Mission Piers Cazalet accompanied the ambassador on this trip to see the Lebanese president at Beiteddine.

Fletcher replaces Frances Guy, who left the post in July. Fletcher was previously working as an adviser to U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron.