The Army Command – Directorate of Orientation issued the following statement:
“Army Commander General Rodolphe Heikal met Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and Chief of the Turkish General Staff General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, on the sidelines of his participation in the SAHA 2026 International Defense, Aviation and Space Industries Exhibition in Istanbul over the past two days, from 5/5/2026 until 7/5/2026.
During his meeting with General Heikal, Minister Güler affirmed Turkey’s continued support for the army in confronting challenges and in consolidating cooperative relations between the two sides. He also condemned the ongoing Israeli attacks and strikes targeting various areas of Lebanon.
For his part, General Bayraktaroğlu stressed to General Heikal the need to strengthen cooperation between the Lebanese and Turkish armies, emphasizing support for the military institution in all fields. The talks also addressed the anticipated steps in the post-UNIFIL phase.
General Heikal, during both meetings, expressed his gratitude to the Turkish authorities and the Turkish army for their continued support. He also praised the notable achievements of Turkey’s defense industries.
The exhibition was held with the participation of around 120 countries and 1,700 companies, and in the presence of high-level officials, army commanders, and heads of security agencies from several countries around the world. It featured displays of advanced, highly efficient technologies.”
