النهار

BEIRUT: The Ambassador of Italy to Lebanon Nicoletta Bombardiere, addressed the Lebanese and Italians in Lebanon Tuesday in honor of the 74th Italian National Day. The holiday, which is celebrated yearly at the embassy, couldn’t be held this year given the COVID-19 Emergency.

“This year we celebrate the anniversary in a different way but in the same spirit. There are no celebrations in respect for the suffering and losses caused by the COVID-19 emergency,” Bombardiere said in her message.

The ambassador took the chance to remind Italians in Lebanon that the embassy is ready to support when needed in these difficult times.

“Rest assured that Italy is conscious about the important moral and material contribution that the well-integrated Italian community in Lebanon has incessantly provided with commitment and passion to the country’s progress. Your presence has been and will always be an anchor, a bond of the long-lasting friendship and cooperation between the two countries,” she said.

Bombardiere also added that Italy stands in solidarity with Lebanese businesses and institutions.

“We have always felt your closeness as well as the solidarity of the Lebanese institutions, expression of the deep-rooted ties that have always bound our two countries,” Bombardier said. “We are working and will work with the Lebanese institutions in order to support the necessary reforms necessary to respond to the demand for change by the Lebanese society, towards a more equitable, sustainable, functional and transparent development model.”