UNIFIL’s Sector West Headquarters in Shama, south-western Lebanon, today hosted an exhibition of local Lebanese cuisines and handicrafts, as a way of fostering economic activities in the Mission’s area of operation.

Hundreds of UNIFIL’s military and civilian peacekeepers purchased goods on display during the exhibition, which was organized jointly by the Mission’s Italian Contingent, Civil Affairs Office and Gender Unit. The exhibitors came from local agricultural cooperatives and Women Handicrafts Association.

Similar exhibition was organized in Shama in November last year.

The organizers said the exhibition strived to strengthen the strong relations between local people and UNIFIL peacekeepers, by also helping move the economic wheel of the local communities.

UNIFIL peacekeepers regularly interact with the host communities in ensuring the maintenance of peace and stability in the area – thereby fostering economic activities.