In a formal engagement conducted in Moscow, Alexander Fomin, who holds the rank of Colonel General and serves as the Deputy Minister of Defense for the Russian Federation, conducted a substantive meeting with Shawki Fares Bu Nassar, Lebanon’s ambassador to Russia, in the Russian capital. The dialogue covered a wide range of security and defense topics, reflecting a mutual interest in strengthening channels of communication between the two nations. Among the issues discussed, the participants touched on the broader regional dynamics affecting peace and stability and how military and technical cooperation could contribute to responsible cooperation in the two countries.
According to statements released by the Russian Ministry of Defense, the meeting was convened to review existing and potential avenues for Russian-Lebanese military-technical collaboration. The discussions underscored the importance of practical measures that could enhance defense capacities, foster shared research and development efforts, and support strategic projects that align with both nations’ security interests. The dialogue also prioritized transparency and repeated contacts through the appropriate defense ministries to sustain a steady and principled exchange of information and expertise.
The participants also exchanged assessments of the current regional situation, with particular attention paid to the ongoing escalation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. They explored the risk factors that could influence regional security, including the potential impact on civilian populations, border stability, and humanitarian access. Both sides emphasized the need for cool-headed diplomacy and adherence to international norms as a path toward de-escalation and dialogue, recognizing that sustained diplomatic engagement is essential to preventing further violence.
Throughout the conversations, there was a shared understanding that durable resolution to the conflict would result from diplomatic efforts conducted through established channels and international institutions. The officials confirmed their readiness to maintain and expand contact, agreeing to continue substantive exchanges through official defense ministries and related agencies. This commitment to ongoing dialogue reflects a broader approach to regional security that prioritizes cautious, rule-based cooperation over unilateral actions and confrontation.
On the record, observers noted that the current period has seen heightened military activity in the region, including air and ground operations that have drawn international attention. The discussions between the Russian and Lebanese representatives did not attempt to rewrite the realities on the ground but rather sought to frame cooperation mechanisms that could reduce risk, improve information sharing, and support regional stability. The emphasis remained on preventing miscalculations and encouraging diplomatic channels as the primary tools for crisis management.
The two sides also considered long-term prospects for collaboration that could extend beyond immediate defense interests. Topics potentially under exploration include joint training initiatives, cybersecurity cooperation, and the exchange of expertise in defense logistics, as well as potential partnerships that could contribute to regional security architectures. While such initiatives require careful assessment and mutual consent, the dialogue demonstrated a constructive openness to expanding mutual trust and pursuing peaceful, legally compliant collaboration that benefits both nations and their peoples.