Italy is willing to give more help to Lebanon in the wake of last month's devastating blast at Beirut's port and amid its economic and political crisis, deputy foreign minister Emanuela Del Re said on Wednesday.
"Italy is ready to strengthen its support during this phase of emergency," Del Re said during a visit to Beirut, according to a foreign ministry statement.
"However, our support to the Lebanese people is not limited to a first emergency response and will continue to focus on people's needs and rights in all areas of the country," Del Re added.
Del Re is holding talks with senior UN, Red Cross and non-government organisation officials to cement Italy's aid commitment to Lebanon and to assess "humanitarian needs on the ground in the current emergency and post-emergency phases," said the statement.
Del Re was due to meet UN Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator for Lebanon, Najat Rochdi, Lebanese Red Cross Secretary General, Georges Kettaneh, and representatives from Italian and Lebanese civil society organisations, according to the statement.
Del Re will also visit Italy's military field hospital and rehabilitation projects managed by the Italian CSOs, the statement continued.
Since the deadly explosion in the port of Beirut on 4th August, Italy has sent around 20 tonnes of humanitarian aid, CBCN experts, a rubble removal unit from the Military Engineers and a military field hospital aboard three flights and three naval shipments.
Italy has also given 762,000 to support Lebanese Red Cross emergency response activities, the statement said.
Further financial contributions to the activities of UN agencies, the Red Cross and CSOs in the field will be made "in the near future," the statement added.
