BEIRUT, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said Friday that Greece is committed to supporting the Lebanese army with "concrete resources and training," according to a statement by the Lebanese Presidency.
During his meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, Dendias said "Greece stands firmly by Lebanon in its efforts to preserve stability and sovereignty. The Lebanese army plays a crucial role in this mission," read the statement.
Greece is willing to provide military assistance to the army, including helicopters, military vehicles, trucks, and spare parts, and it also welcomes training Lebanese officers at the Hellenic Military Academy in Greece, Dendias said, reiterating Greece's commitment to strengthening bilateral defense cooperation.
For his part, Aoun thanked Dendias for Greece's support in military and other sectors, and stressed Lebanon's commitment to extending state authority to its international borders, read the statement.
According to the statement, the two sides also discussed recent developments in Syria and their implications for the region. ■
