British destroyer docks at Beirut port after 7-month mission in Mideast

BEIRUT, March 25 (Xinhua) -- A British destroyer docked at the port of Lebanon's capital Beirut on Monday, National News Agency (NNA) reported.

The arrival of HMS Dragon, British Royal Navy's Type 45 destroyer, demonstrated the strong friendship and partnership between Britain and Lebanon, British Ambassador to Lebanon Chris Rampling was quoted by NNA as saying during a press conference held aboard the ship.

"Britain's support will continue. We have spent around 200 U.S. million dollars on education, humanitarian and service sectors (in Lebanon) last year," Rampling added.

Michael Carter Quinn, commander of HMS Dragon, said the ship has completed seven months of deployment in the Middle East and is on its way back to Britain.

According to a statement by the British embassy in Lebanon, HMS Dragon has succeeded in seizing more than 18,000 kg of narcotics.