Lebanese Minister Discusses Public Administration and Digital Transformation Cooperation with Italian Officials

Fadi Maki, Lebanon’s Minister of State for Administrative Development, stated in an interview in Rome with the National News Agency that Lebanon’s participation in the Forum PA conference in the Italian capital represents a significant opportunity to enhance cooperation with Italy and benefit from its leading expertise in public administration, digital transformation, and technology.

The minister attended the forum upon invitation from the Italian government, accompanied by Lebanon’s ambassador to Italy, Carla Jazar. During the conference, he delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of developing public administration and modernizing Lebanese state institutions according to best global practices.

Maki expressed satisfaction with his visit to Rome and participation in the forum, describing it as one of Italy’s foremost events specializing in public administration. He said Lebanon is honored to be present at the event to present its experiences and aspirations, and looks forward to organizing a similar initiative in Lebanon in the future to leverage successful international expertise.

He praised Italy’s support for Lebanon, affirming that the Italian experience serves as an important model in modern administration and good governance.

He added, “We thank the Italian government for its continuous support of Lebanon. We have witnessed genuine interest in supporting the reform and administrative development process, and we view the Italian experience as a model from which many elements can be adopted to serve Lebanon’s modernization efforts.”

On the sidelines of the conference, Maki held a series of meetings with various Italian officials and figures, including Italy’s Minister of Public Administration Paolo Zangrillo, the head of the Anti-Corruption Authority, the president of the Public Administration Institute, officials from the Italian media agency, several members of the Italian parliament, and the former commander of UNIFIL.

He noted that these meetings reflected the extent of Italian interest in Lebanon and the commitment of Italian institutions to strengthen joint cooperation across various fields. He also observed a strong affection from diverse Italian circles toward Lebanon and its people, alongside a clear readiness to continue supporting Lebanon’s reform and development path.

The minister also expressed admiration for the Lebanese community in Italy, commending their role in enhancing bilateral relations and presenting a positive image of Lebanon. He stated, “I was pleased by the diverse Lebanese presence in Italy and witnessed a beautiful example of cooperation and unity among members of the community. This is the Lebanon we want and strive for: a Lebanon of diversity, openness, and love, where everyone collaborates despite their differences and works together for a better future.”

He further remarked that the success of Lebanese expatriates confirms Lebanon’s possession of significant human potential capable of creativity and contribution when the right conditions are available. He considered the Lebanese community’s experience in Italy as a model for the homeland that Lebanese people aspire to—a country of partnership, unity, and cooperation.

Maki concluded by thanking Ambassador Carla Jazar for her efforts in developing Lebanese-Italian relations and praised the positive and active role played by the Lebanese community in strengthening the bridges of communication and friendship between the two countries.