Vehicles stocked at Beirut port and intended for the Lebanese Armed Forces have been delivered today. Minister Guerini: “This first vehicle delivery is a tangible sign of Italy’s and the Italian Defence’s closeness to Lebanon, its people and the Lebanese Armed Forces”
“This first vehicle delivery is a tangible sign of Italy’s and the Italian Defence’s closeness to Lebanon, its people and the Lebanese Armed Forces, as I had the opportunity to announce on Christmas Eve during my meeting with Prime Minister Najib Mikati and my Lebanese counterpart Maurice Sleem”, Defence Minister Lorenzo Guerini said today, commenting on the delivery to the Lebanese Armed Forces of the Italian vehicles which had recently arrived at Beirut’s port.
Two 20-seat buses, a tanker and an inflatable boat were delivered to LAF’s representatives during a solemn ceremony.
The latter was attended by General Ziad Nas on behalf of LAF’s Commander in Chief; Italian Ambassador to Lebanon Nicoletta Bombardiere; and Commander-Italian Joint Command Operations, General Francesco Paolo Figliuolo.
The vehicles were a first installment of a donation that will be completed by the end of the year.
“The bond of friendship between Italy and Lebanon has deep historical roots, based on our common Mediterranean identity. Our continued presence in that country since 1980 is a clear testimony to our commitment to peace and stability across the entire region”, Minister Guerini stated.
Today’s delivery is part of the initiatives in favour of LAFs approved in June 2021 by an international videoconference attended by 20 countries, the UN and EU.
The conference was co-chaired by the Ministers of Defence of France and Italy.
In particular, the vehicles that were delivered today are part of an agreement signed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ministry of Defence and Agenzia Industrie Difesa (Italian Defence Industry Agency).
The provision of vehicles and materials, as well the donation of Navy material for helicopter and naval units’ maintenance, is one of the pillars of the international commitment aimed to strengthen LAF’s capabilities.
Within this framework the Italian Defence, having reached out to a number of donors, is using dedicated funds for over € 1M to purchase vehicles.
This will facilitate the mobility of the Lebanese Forces, for whom former is a strategic priority. In this context, the Italian Defence confirmed its determination to pursue its commitment, seeking ever-greater and better forms of cooperation within the limits provided for by national and international law.
