Meloni, Lebanon commit to increased trade, reducing Israel tensions

7 months ago 34

Italy is committed to avoiding escalation in the Middle East while trying to find ways to increase trade and coordinate on migration issues, according to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who visited her Lebanese counterpart Najib ‘Azmi Miqãti.

During her meeting with the Lebanese prime minister, Meloni (Fratelli d’Italia/ECR) reiterated Italy’s willingness to continue contributing to the security and stability of Lebanon, which has been facing a serious political and economic crisis for several years, exacerbated by renewed hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.

Italy’s aim is “to avoid any risk of escalation along the border with Israel”, reads a note from the Italian government.

The bilateral meeting was an opportunity for “concrete closeness” with Lebanon and for “an in-depth exchange of views on the international situation, with particular reference to the Middle East”.

Italy stated it is ready to contribute with further activities supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces, including increasing the presence of Italian soldiers in the bilateral Mibil mission.

“Our military is not just there to guard the flag but is an operational arm of international policy”, stressed Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani (Forza Italia/EPP).

Miqãti reiterated his appreciation for Italy’s contribution to the UNIFIL mission and to the training activities of the Lebanese armed forces, as well as increasing trade and strengthening migration policies in the Mediterranean against irregular migration and human trafficking.

The trip was an opportunity for the prime minister to visit the ‘Millevoi’ military base in Shama and to express “gratitude for the commitment to safeguarding peace and security” of the Italian contingents deployed in Lebanon.

“Italy is grateful to you (…) Lebanon plays a fundamental role in the Middle East, you know it well”, Meloni told the soldiers, before referring to the ongoing conflicts.

“These are difficult days in the Middle East, in Europe, globally (…) You are the sandbar that helps to keep the fire from progressing”, Meloni said.

(Federica Pascale | Euractiv.it)