A statement by the Italian Embassy in Beirut indicated that the Ambassador of Italy to Lebanon, H.E. Massimo Marotti, was received by H.E. the Prime Minister Saad Hariri.

Marotti maintained that "Italy is fully committed to supporting Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty, unity and prosperity and stands by Lebanon’s side in the important challenge the Government is facing."

The Ambassador said that as a member of the International Support Group for Lebanon, Italy will continue to support the Lebanese Army, through the presence within UNIFIL and through the expanding Bilateral Military training Mission. "We are focusing our aid policies in key sectors and look forward to discussing further initiatives to assist Lebanon in the future