Head of UK Diplomatic Service visits Lebanon

The Permanent Under Secretary and Head of the UK Diplomatic Service, Simon Fraser, visited Lebanon on September 20. He met Lebanese President Michel Sleiman and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, accompanied by British Ambassador to Lebanon Tom Fletcher. In his meetings, Fraser reiterated the UK’s strong support to Lebanon’s stability and the Lebanese state. Earlier on Sunday evening, Ambassador Fletcher hosted a reception at his residence in honour of Simon Fraser, and to launch the prestigious Chevening scholarships in Lebanon. Speaking during the visit, Fraser said: “Britain's strongest interest in Lebanon is in stability. We want to see an ambitious partnership, and have significantly expanded our political, trade and cultural programmes in the past year. In my meetings, I have encouraged consensual political dialogue, and a clear sense of Lebanese interests in a turbulent region. The international community must do its utmost to support Lebanon at this time." Mr. Simon Fraser is the Permanent Under Secretary and Head of the Diplomatic Service is the senior foreign policy adviser to the Foreign Secretary, and responsible for the management of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London and our Embassies and High Commissions around the world. He started his career as a Middle East expert, serving in the British Embassies in Baghdad and Damascus.