Former Defense Minister, Zeina Akar, on Tuesday thanked the Lebanese army and officers who worked by her side at the Ministry of Defense.

“The army remained highly prepared and maintained the country’s security, and I made several foreign visits to mobilize support for the Lebanese Army institution,” she said.

“I would have loved to witness a bigger number of women in the new government,” she added.

In turn, Defense Minister Maurice Salim said: “In the face of the dangers and perils facing our homeland, our army has been demonstrating professional performance and tireless determination. We will strive, with all our capabilities, to raise the level of the army’s preparedness so that it remains the fortress of the nation and its impregnable shield.”