This Press Release was first published by the Ministry of Defense.

The Minister of National Defense, Major General Michel Menassa, received in his office in Yarzeh today the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Lebanon, Blerta Aliko, in the presence of representatives of donor countries and partners from the European Union, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Kingdom of Norway, and Japan. 

During the meeting, a support agreement was signed for the Lebanon Mine Action Center (LMAC) covering the period from 2026 to 2030. 

The agreement aims to strengthen the institutional capacities of the Center, expand the scope of humanitarian mine action operations, including the clearance of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO), and reduce their risks to affected populations. It also supports risk education and victim assistance programmes, contributing to the accelerated rehabilitation of contaminated land and the promotion of stability and development in affected areas. 

In her remarks, UNDP Resident Representative emphasized that Lebanon continues to face growing humanitarian and development challenges due to contamination by explosive ordnance, particularly in light of the recent escalation of hostilities, which has placed additional pressure on national institutions. She highlighted the importance of the partnership with the Lebanon Mine Action Center in advancing mine action efforts and strengthening national capacities, noting that this programme represents a long-term investment in stability, supported by international partners, and contributing to increased national self-reliance. 

For his part, the Minister of National Defense welcomed the participants, noting that this project represents a key step in strengthening cooperation with UNDP and donor countries, and in supporting the implementation of the national mine action strategy. He stressed the importance of sustained international support to address this longstanding challenge, and commended the contributions of partner countries in protecting civilians and enabling their safe return, as well as the recovery and productive use of their land and property.