Minister of National Defense Maurice Slim met in his office in Yarzeh with Italian Defense Minister Guido Crossetto and the accompanying delegation, in the presence of Italian Ambassador Nicoletta Bombardieri.
The meeting dealt with cooperation relations between the two countries and their development in all fields, especially in the military field.
Slim considered that the development taking place in the south “constitutes a direct threat to security and stability in the south.”
Emphasizing that Lebanon is committed to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, the minister stressed that “the army was and will remain keen on the highest levels of cooperation with UNIFIL and taking appropriate measures to control security and maintain stability and calm in the south and constant readiness to confront any aggression.”
Minister Slim praised the Italian participation in the international force in the south, UNIFIL, and the coordination between it and the Lebanese army units deployed in the international operations area. He thanked Italy for its continuous support to the army, especially the provision of humanitarian and military aid.
The minister also discussed with his visitor the issue of the displaced Syrians, stressing that “addressing the issue of the displaced Syrians in Lebanon also helps the efforts made in this direction.”
He also hoped to “support Lebanon’s position, which demands the return of the displaced Syrians to their country, before the international community.”
Crossetto
Crossetto expressed total readiness to cooperate and assist the Lebanese army and security apparatuses, noting the “high competence of the army and the strength of cooperation with the army of his country.”
He touched on the displacement crisis, expressing his country’s deep understanding of Lebanon’s suffering from the Syrian displacement crisis, which has weighed heavily on the economic and social situation, pointing out that he will convey the Lebanese position on displacement to Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni.
Crossetto addressed the issue of illegal immigration across the Mediterranean and the importance of cooperation to confront it, given the dangers it poses to the intended communities and the migrants themselves.
Source: National news agency – Lebanon