BEIRUT, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Joseph Aoun emphasized Thursday the importance of enhancing cooperation with the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) through common trainings and exercises.
"These trainings contribute to enhancing the military expertise and skills of our soldiers which guarantee security and stability along the South Litani sector," Aoun was quoted as saying by a statement released by the UNIFIL.
Aoun's remarks came during his visit to the headquarters of UNIFIL's eastern and western sectors respectively near Marjayoun and Shama in south Lebanon, where he met with UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Stefano Del Col.
The two commanders discussed issues related to the security situation and coordinated activities between the two sides in the area between the Litani River and the Blue Line.
Del Col emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral collaboration to respond to incidents and violations effectively and in a timely manner.
"The recent serious incidents that occurred in UNIFIL's area of operations could have led to a dangerous escalation of the situation," said Del Col, referring to the recent conflict between Israel and the Hezbollah forces along the Israel-Lebanon border area.
"It requires an extensive engagement with both sides to get them to cease fire and contain the situation," he added.
He underlined the need to strengthen monitoring and response capabilities on the ground as well as reinforcing the security infrastructure along the Blue Line that has maintained calm and stability in the border area since 2006.
