Italian Ambassador to Lebanon Massimo Marotti said Saturday that Italy is keen on supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces, local media reported.

"Italy expresses its strong and wide support for all the Lebanese Armed Forces," Marotti was quoted as saying by the National News Agency, adding that Italy's friendship and cooperation with Lebanon is developing rapidly.

Marotti's remarks came during a ceremony held at the Military Officers' Club in al-Tharwa to celebrate the "Italian Unity and Armed Forces Day."

The ceremony was also attended by Lebanese caretaker Defense Minister's representative Brigadier General Nawaf Jibbawi, Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, Italian Defense Attache Colonel Massimiliano Svortza and a number of prominent figures.

"We have the honor of cooperating and working with our counterpart, the Lebanese Armed Forces, in the process of reorganization and reform, while witnessing the Lebanese army's development, progress and success," Svortza said.