Lebanese Army Commander Concludes Visit to Italy

General Rudolph Hiakel, Commander of the Lebanese Army, visited the Republic of Italy from August 24 to August 26, 2026, accompanied by a military delegation, on an official visit invited by his Italian counterpart, General Luciano Portolano.

General Hiakel began his visit by laying a floral wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National Monument of Victor Emmanuel II, then visited the Italian Armed Forces Command at the Ministry of Defense headquarters, where he was received by his Italian counterpart and accorded formal honors.

Subsequently, a meeting was held between both sides in the presence of members of the Lebanese and Italian military delegations, discussing recent developments and ways to strengthen cooperation between the armed forces of both countries.

During the meeting, General Portolano emphasized that Lebanon’s stability is a strategic priority, praised the friendship between the two nations, and highlighted the importance of supporting the Lebanese Army given its crucial role in maintaining security and stability.

The two sides also discussed the vital role of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), in which the Italian unit participates, as well as the Italian Bilateral Military Mission in Lebanon (MIBIL) and the Technical Military Committee for Lebanon (MTC4L). The vision of Italy and its role post-UNIFIL were also addressed.

General Hiakel thanked General Portolano, expressing appreciation for Italy’s support of the Lebanese Army.

He also received a phone call from Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who was abroad, reaffirming Italy’s support for the army’s efforts. Additionally, he met with Riccardo Guariglia, Director General of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador Cecilia Piccioni, Director General for Political and International Security Affairs at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the ministry headquarters.

He also met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican City State, who stressed the necessity of establishing peace in Lebanon, noting that the army plays a significant role in safeguarding the country’s security.

General Hiakel concluded his visit at one of Italy’s military industrial centers, where he examined its operational mechanisms and advanced technologies.

During the visit, the Lebanese Ambassador to Italy, Carla Jazjar, hosted a dinner reception in honor of General Hiakel at the Lebanese Embassy, attended by Italian and Lebanese dignitaries.