BEIRUT, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Italian Ambassador to Lebanon Massimo Marotti called upon Lebanese officials on Friday to accelerate talks aimed at providing support for boosting the capacity of maritime forces, the National News Agency reported.
"We want to move to the formal negotiations' stage between the two countries," Marotti said while adding that his country is ready to send a delegation to Lebanon for this purpose.
Marotti's remarks came during his meeting with Lebanon's Defense Minister Elias Bou Saab.
Meanwhile, Bou Saab said he will discuss the matter with the Lebanese president and prime minister to get an official green light for further negotiations and practical measures in this regard.
Italy has previously expressed its commitment to supporting the Lebanese army while emphasizing the importance of cooperation between the Lebanese and Italian armies.
On May 17, the Lebanese army received hydrographic equipment and prefabricated rooms from Italian authorities.
