By Mahdi Al-Nimer
ROME, March 16 (KUNA) -- Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah stressed Kuwait's support to Lebanon through social and economic development to reduce tension and support the army to maintain stability and security.
This came in a statement to KUNA during Al-Jarallah's headship of Kuwait's delegation to the Rome II international ministerial conference to support the Lebanese army and security forces.
The conference ended late Thursday, as it saw the participation of 40 countries, UN Secretary General, Arab League Chief and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs.
It discussed the situation in Lebanon and means to enhance capabilities of the army and security forces, Al-Jarallah said.
This international move is a follow up to Rome I in 2014, as the situation in Lebanon requires strengthening security forces' capabilities to practice their role; especially that Lebanon is witnessing general elections in all its regions in May.
In this regard, Al-Jarallah highlighted Kuwait's significant effort to help the Lebanese people economically, which would in turn contribute in reducing security burden on the army and security forces by supporting the development path and help in providing job opportunities.
The growing unemployment rate and difficult economic and living conditions create an environment of extremism and terrorism, which is a burden on the internal security forces and the Lebanese army. Therefore, the Kuwaiti development track in the infrastructure, education, health and housing in Lebanon indirectly support its security and stability, Al-Jarallah pointed out.
The Rome II conference had achieved many goals, which reflected the clear international concern to support the Lebanese army and the security forces, which will also continue in the upcoming conference in Paris to support development in Lebanon. (end) mn.ss