“This trip is the start of something,” a senior Lebanese source told MEE. “At a minimum, Ankara expects Lebanon to maintain neutrality in the regional conflict,” the source said. The senior diplomatic source said Ankara intended to invite the commander of the Lebanese army to visit Turkish defence industries and manufacturing facilities. Turkey could provide the army with significant military equipment if the Lebanese military formally identifies its requirements and expresses interest, the source added. For Lebanon, Turkish military assistance could offer an additional source of support as the army assumes greater security responsibilities across the country and along its borders.