At a joint press conference with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Turkey seeks to participate in initiatives to secure Lebanon's sovereignty following the end of UNIFIL's mandate. Erdogan also pledged continued support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and offered assistance for the reconstruction of southern Lebanon, which he said was 'severely damaged by Israeli attacks.'
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday expressed Ankara's ambition to secure a leading role in post-UNIFIL Lebanon, during a joint press conference with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Ankara, as reported by Abu Ali Express.
Erdogan stated that Turkey is interested in participating in all initiatives aimed at ensuring and strengthening Lebanon's sovereignty after the current international force's mandate ends. He also pledged continued support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and offered assistance for the reconstruction of southern Lebanon, which he described as 'severely damaged by Israeli attacks.'
The remarks come as Turkey has increasingly positioned itself as an alternative patron for Lebanon, a stance The Zioneer has previously documented. In June, Erdogan issued threats against Israel while signaling Ankara's readiness to fill a vacuum left by Iran's weakening influence. Separately, France has confirmed plans to deploy a military force to replace UNIFIL, with Paris seeking European and regional partners. The future of the UNIFIL mandate and the role of external actors in Lebanon remain subjects of active diplomatic discussion.
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