Erdogan says Turkey ready to support reconstruction in southern Lebanon

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey is prepared to contribute to reconstruction efforts in southern Lebanon and will continue its support for the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Speaking on Thursday, Erdogan said Lebanon stands to benefit from greater regional stability and cooperation, adding that he had discussed with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun the forms of assistance Ankara could provide.

Erdogan also expressed support for continued dialogue between Lebanon and Syria, saying stronger relations between the two neighbouring countries would be beneficial and that Turkey is ready to assist efforts to develop bilateral ties.

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The Turkish president said Ankara is willing to participate in initiatives aimed at promoting regional security and stability, including any future international or alternative security arrangement in Lebanon, while stressing that Turkish assistance to the Lebanese army would continue.

Erdogan further said Turkey has drawn international attention to what it describes as Israeli war crimes in Lebanon and reiterated Ankara’s opposition to continued military escalation in the region.

Israel has repeatedly said its military operations in Lebanon target Hezbollah and other armed groups, and has rejected allegations that it deliberately targets civilians or commits war crimes.

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