Margarita Robles bids farewell to Spanish contingent leaving for Lebanon on peace mission

The Minister of Defense acknowledges the military's commitment to the United Nations and the importance of working for peace

UN-mandated deployment

From the Torrejón de Ardoz Air Basethe Minister of Defense, Margarita RoblesThe Spanish government has said goodbye this Monday to the new contingent of Spanish military that will integrate the Hidalgo XLIII Free Brigade (BRILIB XLIII). The detachment will be deployed in Lebanon over the next few months, as part of the United Nations peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL).

In his speech, Robles underlined the delicate political context in the region and the relevance of Spain's role in this operation:
"Lebanon is a place that right now is a point of reference for the political situation that is being experienced, and the prominence that you are going to have, your professionalism, is something that makes us all very proud".he said.

National pride and international commitment

The majority of the contingent comes from the Canary Islands Command (MCANA)and its deployment represents both Spain as well as to the international community. The minister wanted to emphasize the symbolic value of the uniform and the emblems worn by the military:

"That blue helmet you wear represents a lot; when the Spanish flag is anywhere in the world, we all feel very proud. But, in addition to that flag, that Spanish uniform, that accent from the Canary Islands or Madrid, you wear the blue beret, the blue helmet, which is the best commitment there can be for peace."he said.

A mission with a deep humanitarian sense

Operation UNIFIL, led by the United Nations, is aimed at ensuring stability and security on the southern border of LebanonThe mission has been carried out in a region historically affected by tensions and armed conflicts. Spain has been participating in this mission since 2006, and the BRILIB contingent has gained recognition for its professionalism and humanitarian work.

The Minister concluded her speech with words of encouragement and gratitude:
"Happy mission to everyone. They know they are representing Spain and, when they represent the United Nations, they are working for something that is the most important thing you can work for in life, which is peace.".

Source: https://www.defensa.gob.es/gabinete/notasPrensa/2025/05/DGC-250517-despedida-libano.html