The Chief of Defense visits the Spanish contingent deployed in Lebanon

• Admiral López Calderón met with Spanish military personnel at the Marjayoun Base and at the Naquora Headquarters.

Official visit to Lebanon by the Chief of Defence  (JEMAD), Admiral Teodoro Esteban López Calderón, with trips to Marjayoun, Naquora and Beirut.

At the Miguel de Cervantes Base in Marjayoun, the Chief of Defence was welcomed by Brigadier General Ricardo Esteban Cabrejos, Head of the Multinational Brigade East, together with the heads of the various units.

He was then briefed on the current situation in the area and the progress of the mission. After signing the book, he met with personnel from the different units and Spanish positions. During the shared time with the Spanish military, Admiral López Calderón conveyed his full support and appreciation for the work they are doing in these difficult times, while emphasising Spain's commitment to peace and security.

The Chief of Defence also moved to some of the Blue Helmets' positions in the eastern sector of the Blue Line. After seeing first-hand the work they are doing, the Admiral reiterated his deep personal gratitude, and on behalf of all the Armed Forces, for the effort, service and renowned dedication of all the Spanish military personnel deployed in this complicated area of operations over recent months.

Afterwards, the Chief of Defence travelled to UNIFIL Headquarters in Naqoura, where he held a meeting with the Head of the United Nations mission in Lebanon, General Diodato Abagnara. He also met with Spanish military personnel working at this Headquarters, which leads the mission.

This mission, UNIFIL, was created in 1978 with the aim of responding to a critical situation in southern Lebanon, where the withdrawal of Israeli forces had to be verified after years of occupation

This was the beginning of one of the UN's longer  peacekeeping missions, designed not only to ensure the withdrawal of foreign troops but also to restore international peace and security in a region marked by conflict.

Before returning to Spain, the Chief of Defence met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Beirut. The meeting was also attended by the Spanish Ambassador to Lebanon, Jesús Santos Aguado.