Rajji and Tajani discuss in Rome consolidating the ceasefire and supporting Lebanon politically and security-wise

As part of his official visit to Italy and the Vatican, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Youssef Rajji held talks with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, in the presence of Lebanon’s Ambassador to Italy, Carla Jazzar.

The discussions addressed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to develop them, alongside developments in Lebanon and the region, as well as ongoing contacts aimed at consolidating the ceasefire and preparing for the phase following the end of UNIFIL’s mission.

Rajji expressed Lebanon’s appreciation for Italy’s role within the international peacekeeping force, praising the developmental and social contribution made by the Italian contingent and stressing that these efforts enjoy broad official and popular appreciation in Lebanon.

The Lebanese minister also outlined the Lebanese government’s position on the course of negotiations with Israel, noting that the current priority is to reach a permanent ceasefire, while Israel links this track to the prior disarmament of Hezbollah.

For his part, Tajani affirmed his country’s continued support for Lebanon at the political, economic, security and cultural levels, noting that Rome is intensifying its diplomatic efforts to help reduce escalation and work toward consolidating the ceasefire.

At the military level, the Italian minister expressed his country’s readiness to continue training programs and cooperation with the Lebanese Army and security agencies, in addition to supporting the military institution’s capabilities through the Italian military mission.