Lebanese, Italian army officials in talks over post-UNIFIL era in Lebanon

Lebanese army chief Rodolphe Haykal discussed with his Italian counterpart Luciano Portolano ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation alongside projections for the period after the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) ends its mission in the country. During the meeting, which occurred during a visit by Haykal to Italy from Monday to Wednesday, Portolano emphasised that Lebanon’s stability is a "strategic priority" and praised the "friendly relations between the two countries". The Italian military official also underlined the importance of backing the Lebanese army "given its key role in maintaining security and stability".