Italian FM Arrives in Beirut for Talks with Top Officials

Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni arrived in Beirut Monday evening for a two-day official visit, Lebanon's National News Agency reported.

“He will meet with senior Lebanese officials to discuss with them the current developments in Lebanon and the region and the bilateral ties between the two countries,” NNA said.

The minister will also visit the South to inspect the Italian contingent operating within the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

In July 2014, Major-General Luciano Portolano, an Italian officer, assumed command as UNIFIL's Force Commander and Head of Mission.

UNIFIL was established in 1978 to monitor the border between Lebanon and Israel.

Its mission was extended and enlarged to include supporting the Lebanese troops who deployed in south Lebanon after the 2006 war between Israel and Hizbullah.

Y.R.