Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived in Lebanon on Friday, marking the first visit by a head of state or government since the recent escalation between Israel and Hezbollah. According to her office, Meloni’s visit comes at a time when Italy’s peacekeepers play a key role in the U.N. force stationed in southern Lebanon, a region that has been targeted by Israeli fire.
Upon her arrival at Beirut’s international airport, she was greeted by Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati. The two leaders are scheduled to hold discussions before delivering a joint statement to the media.