---
title: "Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide visits Lebanon to demonstrate solidarity; NOK 65 million for the Lebanese Armed Forces"
sdDatePublished: "2026-08-27T13:15:00Z"
source: "https://www.norway.no/en/missions/wto-un/our-priorities/other-issues/pressreleasenorway/newsreleasemfanorway2/"
topics:
  - name: "foreign aid"
    identifier: "medtop:20000643"
  - name: "armed forces"
    identifier: "medtop:20000599"
locations:
  - "El Obeid"
  - "Beirut"
  - "Israel"
  - "Lebanon"
  - "Norway"
  - "Ukraine"
  - "Democratic Republic of the Congo"
  - "Germany"
  - "Ireland"
  - "Netherlands"
  - "Italy"
  - "France"
  - "Sudan"
  - "Colombia"
---


Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide visits Lebanon to demonstrate solidarity; NOK 65 million for the Lebanese Armed Forces

Foreign Minister Eide: Important to show solidarity with Lebanon. Norway (26.08.2026) - Norway in Geneva

Foreign Minister Eide: Important to show solidarity with Lebanon. Norway (26.08.2026)

'I am visiting Lebanon to demonstrate our solidarity and support at a very difficult time. The Israeli attacks have caused extensive destruction of homes and critical infrastructure. More than 360 000 persons remain displaced from their homes in southern Lebanon,' said Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

In Beirut, the Foreign Minister met with Lebanon’s President Aoun. During the meeting, he expressed strong support for Lebanon’s demand that Israel withdraws from southern Lebanon and noted that Norway has condemned the massive Israeli attacks that have inflicted enormous suffering and destruction on the Lebanese population.

Eide informed the President that Norway is increasing its support for UNDP’s efforts to improve living conditions for personnel in the Lebanese Armed Forces and their families. Norway’s total contribution to this work amounts to NOK 65 million (USD 6,5 million).

'The Lebanese Armed Forces play an important role in ensuring stability and security in the country. We therefore wish to strengthen their ability to carry out their mandate under extremely challenging conditions,' said Eide.

Severely affected by war and conflict

Lebanon has been severely affected by conflicts in the region and by the repeated Israeli attacks. The country hosts several hundred thousand refugees. This places considerable pressure on Lebanon and many vulnerable local communities.

For decades, Norway has been an important partner for Lebanon, both through humanitarian assistance and support for long-term development and reform efforts. In 2026, Norway will provide a total of NOK 336 million (USD 34 million) in humanitarian and long-term support to Lebanon. The assistance will help strengthen national institutions, reform processes and capacity-building in the public sector. The humanitarian assistance will address urgent needs such as emergency relief, shelter, food, healthcare, de-mining and protection.

Met with internally displaced persons

In Saida, located 45 minutes south of Beirut, the Foreign Minister met the governor, internally displaced persons and several organisations receiving Norwegian support.

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