UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major-General Paolo Serra today called on the Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati in his office in Beirut.

Issues related to the implementation of UNIFIL's mandate under UN Security Council resolution 1701 and the situation in UNIFIL’s Area of Operations in South Lebanon were discussed with particular focus on cooperation between UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).

The Force Commander informed the Prime Minister about the situation in the UNIFIL area of operation and exchanged views about the strategic partnership between UNIFIL and LAF.

Following the meeting, UNIFIL Force Commander Serra said:"I had a very good meeting with Prime Minister Mikati. I was very encouraged by the Prime Minister's strong words of support and appreciation for UNIFIL's work in south Lebanon. I reassured him of UNIFIL strong commitment and resolve to continue with our mandated tasks to ensure that the security and stability that has prevailed so far in south Lebanon is maintained at this very sensitive time that the region is facing. I conveyed my appreciation for the strong spirit of partnership that LAF continues to demonstrate with UNIFIL despite its many challenges elsewhere in the country and I stressed that this strategic partnership remains mainstay for the continuous success of the mission on the ground."

Major-General Serra thanked the Prime Minister for the support he has been extending to UNIFIL.