BEIRUT: Britain is ready to provide Lebanon with substantial support through an offer made by Prime Minister David Cameron that would strengthen the two countries' bilateral relationship.
British Ambassador Tom Fletcher handed Prime Minister Mikati a letter Tuesday from his British counterpart in a bid to open a new phase
in British backing for stability, growth and reform, the British Embassy said.
In the letter, Cameron sets out a “package to provide substantial support to Lebanon’s future as a sovereign, independent and dynamic partner."
The proposals come in light of Lebanon’s commitment to international resolutions and its prime minister’s recent visit to the U.K.
He also said that Britain would double training programs to Lebanon’s armed forces and expressed support for the Code of Conduct announced by the Internal Security Forces.
Earlier this month, Mikati's government launched a new code of conduct in an attempt to bring policing practices in line with national and international law on issues such as corruption and proper treatment of suspects.
“Prime Minister Cameron also suggested plans to provide expertise in supporting Lebanese economic growth, and set a target for an increase of 20% in bilateral trade,” the embassy said in its statement.
The new package proposes initiatives in the health and education sectors as well, including boosting links between UK and Lebanese schools and enhancing access to English-language resources. Sporting cooperation, including at the London 2012 Olympics, also receives attention.