Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has held a phone call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, thanking him for London’s support to Beirut, Al Jazeera reports citing the Lebanese presidency.

“Lebanon is facing a new phase and an opportunity to consolidate security and stability and extend the authority of the state over all its territories,” Aoun’s office has quoted him as telling Starmer.

For his part, the UK prime minister offered his condolences for the victims of Israeli attacks on Lebanon, the Lebanese presidency adds.

According to the statement, Starmer also said his country was ready to provide humanitarian assistance and would continue to support the Lebanese army in accordance with cooperation agreements.