Visiting Italian Defense Minister Admiral Giampaolo Di Paola on Monday conveyed to Lebanese President Michel Suleiman his country's official support to Lebanon's sovereignty and security in light of the developments in the region, the National News Agency reported.

During the meeting at Baabda Presidential Palace, Di Paola praised the efforts exerted by Suleiman in order to keep the Lebanese arena safe from any negative repercussions.

Di Paola informed Suleiman of the primary aim of his visit to Lebanon, which is to boost cooperation at the military level.

For his part Suleiman praised the Lebanese-Italian relations and bilateral cooperation at various levels and in different fields, uttering gratitude for Italy which had constantly stood beside Lebanon, particularly by assisting to the UNIFIL force to preserve peace in south Lebanon.

Italian Defense Minister Giampaolo Di Paola kicked off his Lebanon's visit with talks in a meeting with his Lebanese counterpart Fayez Ghosn.

The two discussed internal and regional developments and the work of UNIFIL, where Italy has a 1,189-strong contingent.

During his meeting with Ghosn at the Defense Ministry in Yarze, northeast of Beirut, Di Paola praised the cooperation between the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL.

Di Paola also stressed that the cooperation should continue and be bolstered.

Di Paola then held talks in Ain al-Tineh with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

According to a statement by the Italian embassy in Beirut, Di Paola is to meet with Army Commander General Jean Qahwagi and MP Samir Jisr who heads the parliamentary defense committee and MP Abdel-Latif Zein.