BEIRUT: Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Matthew Spence met Lebanese officials Friday and voiced his country’s commitment to the aid program for the Lebanese military.

Spence met with President Michel Sleiman at Baabda Palace where the two “discussed bilateral relations and military cooperation where Spence affirmed the United States' commitment to the American aid program to the military."

According to Sleiman's office, the two also spoke about the situation in the region.

Earlier Friday, the U.S. official met with the commander of the Lebanese Army, Gen. Jean Kahwagi.

The two discussed means of developing ties between the armies of the two countries, according to the Lebanese Army.

The Army’s Directorate General quoted Spence as “voicing appreciation for the national role that the Lebanese Army is undertaking and his country's commitment to supporting and strengthening the capabilities of the [Lebanese] military.”

The United States has said that it will boost the Army's capabilities as part of a multi-million dollar assistance package.

In December, the Army received a delivery of six helicopters and spare parts. In January 2013, the army received 200 Armored Personnel Carriers as part of the U.S. military aid program.