BEIRUT, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Italian Defense Minister Elizabeth Trenta said Tuesday her country is ready to support different Lebanese institutions, mainly the Lebanese army, independent online newspaper Elnashra reported Tuesday.
"Italy also agrees to extend the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) force in Lebanon," she said based on a request by President Michel Aoun.
Trenta's remarks came during a meeting held with Aoun in the Presidential Palace.
Aoun said during the meeting that Israeli threats and the circumstances in the region necessitates the extension of the mandate of the UNIFIL force in Lebanon.
Trenta arrived in Beirut for an official visit on Monday.
She met with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Monday while reiterating her country's support for Lebanon in different areas.
"Our country is always keen on providing continuous support for Lebanon," she said.
Trenta said that Lebanon and Italy enjoy a very special historical relations.
