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Lebanon takes pride in relations with Saudi Arabia - Salam

Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam and  French Minister of Defense Jean-Yves Le Drian
Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam and French Minister of Defense Jean-Yves Le Drian

BEIRUT, April 20 (KUNA) -- Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam on Monday extolled the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for donating weapons to the Lebanese army.
"The Lebanese people will always remember the supportive stances of Saudi Arabia which proved to be an all-weather friend of Lebanon," he said in a statement following the delivery of the first consignment of the French-made weapons.
"The delivery of the weapons signals the beginning of a long process to rebuild the capacity of the Lebanese military and police forces and make them better able to protect the stability, security and sovereignty of the country," he pointed out.
The prime minister expressed gratitude to the Kingdom and King Salman bin Abdulaziz for their kind initiative which "reflects keenness on the stability of Lebanon." He also thanked President Francois Hollande for facilitating the arms deal and demonstrating "true friendship" towards the people of Lebanon.
Earlier today, Salam received at the Grand Serail French Minister of Defense Jean-Yves Le Drian who briefed him on the stages of the Saudi-donated French weapons.
In 2013, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia committed USD three billions to the rebuilding of the Lebanese army. (end) wsm.gb