Italy vows continued support for Lebanon

Italy will continue to support Lebanon given its key role in the Middle East, a senior Italian legislator said on Monday.

According to a statement issued by the Italian embassy in Beirut, Pietro Grasso, president of the Italian Senate said Italy will offer more help to Lebanon through the work of UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

The statement was issued after Grasso's meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

He added that he had spoken with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon personally over the continuation of the role of UNIFIL.

Berri, for his part, lauded the deep ties between Lebanon and Italy, and hailed his country's contribution to UN mission.

The speaker also called for reinforcing bilateral ties, especially through economic and parliamentary cooperation.

Grasso arrived in Lebanon on Monday for a two-day visit. He met with Prime Minister Tammam Salam as well as other senior Lebanese officials.