The Tuesday Beirut explosion has left Lebanon’s primary port dysfunctional, and its repairing is expected to take a long time. With that said, the British Royal Navy is lending a generous hand to help Lebanon rebuilt the Port of Beirut.
UK Secretary of State for Defense Ben Wallace authorized the deployment of “HMS Enterprise,” one of the Royal Navy’s multi-role survey vessels, to Beirut in order to support the Lebanese government in its response to the deadly explosion.
“At the request of the Lebanese government, I have today authorized the sending of HMS Enterprise to help survey the Port of Beirut, assessing the damage, and supporting the Lebanese government and people rebuild this vital piece of national infrastructure,” Wallace said.
On that note, on Wednesday, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II sent Lebanese President Michel Aoun a message of condolence, in which she expressed her sadness over the massive explosion in the Lebanese capital.
“Prince Philip and I were deeply saddened by the news. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who have been injured or lost their lives, and all those whose homes and livelihoods have been affected,” the Queen said.
In addition to its message of support and the Royal Navy ship, the UK has also pledged a large sum of money to help Lebanon in the aftermath of one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history.
Meanwhile, the French president is in Beirut to meet with Lebanese officials and deliver a message of European support after a French plane carrying aid arrived in at the Beirut airport.
