The Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Gebran Bassil, today paid a visit to the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) at Naqoura in southern Lebanon. UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major-General Luciano Portolano welcomed the Minister and his delegation to the Mission Headquarters.

On his arrival, Foreign Minister Bassil inspected a UNIFIL Guard of Honour.

The Minister was briefed by the Force Commander on the situation in UNIFIL’s area of operations and issues related to the implementation of UNIFIL's mandate under UN Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). They also talked about the need for continued close cooperation between UNIFIL and the Lebanese authorities to ensure stability and calm in southern Lebanon. Discussions also focused on issues related to the upcoming report of the United Nations Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 1701 to the Security Council.

Following the meeting, Major-General Luciano Portolano said: “I was honoured and encouraged by the Foreign Minister’s visit to UNIFIL today. This is the first visit of a Lebanese Foreign Minister to UNIFIL since 1978.”

He added, “The visit sends a strong message that Lebanon stands firm in its commitment to resolution 1701 and to our mission, notwithstanding the challenges the country faces today. I assured the Minister of our continued full support to the efforts of the Lebanese Government to strengthen the capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces.” General Portolano also thanked Mr. Bassil for the invaluable assistance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants to UNIFIL personnel to ensure a smooth implementation of the mission’s operations.