Beirut: Minister of National Defense, Major General Michel Menassa, on Tuesday hosted a meeting with General Luciano Portolano, Chief of the Italian Defense Staff, accompanied by a military delegation and the Italian Ambassador to Lebanon, Fabrizio Marcelli.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, discussions during the meeting revolved around Lebanon's current situation amidst ongoing developments. General Portolano reassured Lebanon of Italy's steadfast support, highlighting continued assistance to the Lebanese Army amid challenging circumstances. He expressed optimism regarding the ongoing negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, hoping for outcomes beneficial to Lebanon and its citizens. Additionally, he confirmed Italy's ongoing commitment to the UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon, with readiness to maintain support even after the missions conclude at the year's end.

Minister Menassa expressed gratitude for Italy's support in international forums and in humanitarian and military sectors. He voiced hopes for the sustained involvement of friendly nations, urging them to pressure Israel to cease fire and withdraw from southern Lebanon.