Shama, 3 Nov. (AKI) - The Italian troops who are serving in Lebanon with the United nations UNIFIL peacekeeping force "are and will remain a cornerstone of Italian diplomacy and its armed forces on the international stage for some time to come," said president Giorgio Napolitano on Tuesday. He was speaking during a visit to the Lebanese city of Shama ahead of Armed Forces Day on Wednesday.

"I express appreciation on behalf of Italy and personally for the extraordinary work carried out by Italian soldiers in Lebanon to keep the peace and stabilise an area of vital strategic importance for the Middle East and the Mediterranean region," said the 84-year-old Italian president.

Napolitano praised the quality and commitment of Italy's troops deployed to military missions in Afghanistan and the Balkans as well as in Lebanon.

"Our armed forces stand out for the excellent operational capacities they deploy on mission and the care and dedication with which they combine military strength with help to conflict-ravaged local populations to re-start their economies and rebuild," Napolitano stated.

UNIFIL's approximately 12,400 peacekeeping troops are currently commanded by Italian major-general Claudio Graziano. Italy is among 30 countries contributing soldiers to the force. Since 1978, UNIFIL has been tasked with keeping peace in southern Lebanon, which borders Israel.