"The ability to interact, dialogue and find new cooperation tools is the pride of our Armed Forces. To all of you who collaborate in the training of the Lebanese Armed Forces, I wish you a Happy Easter and extend Italy's thanks".

Thus Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto, who was in Lebanon to convey his Easter greetings and the grateful and thankful greetings of the State and of Italy to the men and women of the Italian contingent, who will be spending the holidays away from home.

Accompanied by the Italian Ambassador to Lebanon, Nicoletta Bombardiere, Minister Crosetto met the personnel of the MIBIL Mission (Italian Bilateral Military Mission in Lebanon) led by Colonel Angelo Sacco.

Addressing his greetings to all the military personnel present, the Minister added: "I strongly wished to be here, right before Easter, to extend to you the greetings of the State, which on the occasion of the holidays is even closer to you who are far from home but not from the affection of Italy".

The Minister, who has been on an official visit to Lebanon since yesterday, also held a series of institutional talks. This morning he met his Lebanese counterpart Maurice Sleem. "Lebanon's history, politics and culture are fundamental for the stability of the enlarged Mediterranean," said Minister Crosetto, specifying that "Italy's commitment to Lebanon, a friendly country, must involve various sectors, not only Defence. We will also contribute to supporting the political, cultural and economic cooperation domains".

This was the first opportunity for the two Ministers to meet. The Lebanese party expressed its heartfelt appreciation for the support of Italian Defence to Lebanon.

This morning, the Ministeralso met the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), Gen. Joseph Aoun, to whom he said: 'The Lebanese Armed Forces are fundamental for the stability and security of the area. Italy will continue to provide its support in bilateral relations and within UNIFIL'.

Yesterday, on his arrival in Beirut, he met with the Prime Minister of the Lebanese Republic Najib Mikati.

This was an opportunity to underline the strong bond of friendship between the two countries and to confirm that Italy's commitment to regional stability continues. The topics also included the enlarged Mediterranean and Lebanon's economic situation: "Lebanon," said Minister Crosetto, "is a key crossroad for regional stability and for the entire Mediterranean. During these difficult times, we need an even greater commitment to peace and regional security to prevent the situation from degenerating".