President of the National Dialogue Party, MP Fouad Makhzoumi, received Italy’s newly appointed Ambassador to Lebanon, Fabrizio Marcelli, at his office in downtown Beirut, in the presence of Political Adviser Carol Zouein. They discussed local, regional, and international developments.

Makhzoumi said the visit was an opportunity to get acquainted and congratulate His Excellency on assuming his duties in Beirut. He emphasized the importance of Lebanese-Italian relations and the Mediterranean partnership, stressing the need to strengthen them, particularly in trade and cooperation in the fields of the digital economy and artificial intelligence.

Makhzoumi also praised the role of the Italian contingent serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), highlighting its importance in maintaining security and peace in southern Lebanon, especially amid the difficult circumstances prevailing today. He reiterated the need to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 in all its provisions and to avoid sliding into an all-out war. He also called for unified support for the country’s security institutions, particularly the Lebanese Army.

Makhzoumi stressed the need to elect a President of the Republic as soon as possible, one who meets the criteria set by the five-nation committee to help the country recover and overcome its crises.