President of the National Dialogue Party, MP Fouad Makhzoumi, received the Italian Ambassador to Lebanon, Nicoletta Bombardieri, at his office in downtown Beirut, in the presence of Political Advisor Dr. Carol Zouein. The Ambassador was accompanied by Emmanuel D’Andrassi, Economic Attaché at the Italian Embassy. They discussed local, regional, and international developments.

Makhzoumi said the discussion addressed the importance of strengthening Lebanese-Italian relations. He stressed that Lebanon looked forward to greater cooperation on various levels, particularly in trade, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence, as well as enhancing trade and technological and cultural exchanges among Mediterranean countries, especially between Lebanon and Italy.

He congratulated Italy and its people on the formation of the new government headed by Mario Draghi, former President of the European Central Bank. Makhzoumi expressed hope that the new government, drawing on its Prime Minister’s economic expertise, would support Lebanon, its economy, and its path toward development, particularly given the difficult circumstances the country was facing on all fronts.

Makhzoumi renewed his call for the swift formation of a government, highlighting the importance of beginning work on the necessary reforms to improve Lebanon’s image internationally and achieve the desired development.

The discussion also addressed efforts to combat the coronavirus. Makhzoumi stressed the need for international cooperation to eradicate the pandemic, which poses a threat to all humanity.