On the occasion of her visit to the Lebanese Republic, the President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, met today with the Prime Minister of the Lebanese Republic, Najib Mikati, at the Grand Serail (Government Palace).
During the meeting, President Meloni firstly reaffirmed Italy’s readiness to continue contributing to Lebanon’s security and stability, particularly at this historic moment in time. In fact, the bilateral meeting also provided an opportunity to concretely express Italy’s solidarity and give a clear message regarding the need to avoid any risk of escalation along the border with Israel.
More in general, the bilateral meeting also allowed for an in-depth exchange of views on the international scenario, with particular reference to the latest developments in the Middle East and the situation along Lebanon’s southern border.
President Meloni reiterated Italy’s commitment both in the areas of development cooperation, with Italy once again being confirmed as one of the highest donors globally this year, and in the field of security, where Italy is present as part of UNIFIL and through the bilateral military mission MIBIL. Prime Minister Mikati expressed appreciation for Italy’s contribution to the UNIFIL mission and to the training of Lebanese armed forces.
Other issues on the bilateral agenda were also discussed, and both leaders reaffirmed their willingness to boost trade. The discussion also focused on strengthening migration policies in the Mediterranean, with the aim of coordinating measures against irregular migration and human trafficking. Lastly, there was an in-depth exchange of views to explore political solutions to the refugee emergency that continues to be an issue for Lebanon.
Tomorrow, at midday (local time), President Meloni will be in Shama to visit Italian military contingents deployed to the Lebanese theatre of operations as part of the UNIFIL mission (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) and the bilateral military mission MIBIL.