Beirut: Defense Minister, Michel Menassa, on Thursday received Italian Ambassador, Fabrizio Marcelli, with whom he discussed Lebanese-Italian relations and ways to strengthen cooperation, particularly in the security and defense sectors.

According to National news agency - Lebanon, Menassa praised Italy's continued support for Lebanon and its institutions, highlighting its humanitarian and military assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces and its longstanding contribution to United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.

The meeting also reviewed developments in southern Lebanon, ongoing negotiations, and issues related to UNIFIL's mandate and the period following its scheduled expiration later this year.