BEIRUT: Commander of the U.S. Central Command Gen. James Mattis met with some of Lebanon's top officials Friday during an unannounced one-day visit, during which he underlined U.S. support for Lebanon’s army.

The U.S. general, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly, held talks with Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the Grand Serail, Beirut, in the presence of the Lebanese Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn.

Mattis and Connelly also met Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri at his office in Ain Al-Tineh, Lebanon's army commander Gen. Jean Kahwagi in his Yarze office, President Michel Sleiman in Baabda Palace and Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn.

“[Mattis] underscored U.S. CENTCOM’s support in strengthening the capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces, recognizing its importance in serving as Lebanon’s sole legitimate defense force to secure Lebanon’s borders and defend the sovereignty and independence of the state,” the U.S. Embassy said in a statement.

The statement also said that Mattis, who arrived from Amman, Jordan, on a U.S. military aircraft, discussed the political and security situation in Lebanon and other regional issues.

He also emphasized the strong and sustained military cooperation between the two countries as well as Lebanon’s initiatives to implement its obligations under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.