(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Jordan’s King Abdullah said he was willing to help Lebanon find a solution to the country’s presidential vacuum and help the country boost its security forces, according to Lebanese Interior Minister Nouhad Machnouk.
Machnouk visited King Abduallah on Wednesday to express condolences from the Lebanese government over the killing of Jordanian pilot Muath Kasasbeh.
The King accepted condolences on behalf of the Lebanese people and expressed his willingness in supporting Lebanon’s efforts to elect a president.
“The Jordanian monarch has expressed his readiness to help in the matter of Lebanese presidential elections through his international calls and his anticipated European tour,” Machnouk said.
Lebanon has been without a president since May 2014, when President Sleiman’s term ended. Political quarrels between March 8 and March 14 leaders have kept the parties from agreeing on a compromise candidate.
Machnouk also said that the Jordanian king said he would provide “moral and financial” support to boost the capabilities of Lebanese security forces.
According to Machnouk, the aid would include training security forces and funding equipment amid ongoing security conflicts.
Machnouk added that Lebanon has already begun receiving military aid donated by Jordan and said that a ceremony announcing their arrival would be held in Beirut in the near future.