Italy is ready to provide diplomatic support for the newly signed Israel-Lebanon agreement and could contribute to a future international mission following the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani says, according to Anadolu.

Speaking at a news conference in Dubrovnik, Croatia, where he is attending an international forum and the MED-9 summit, Tajani describes the agreement as “certainly a step forward,” while cautioning that it will take time for the situation to stabilise.

“It is important that the goal of signing has already been achieved,” he said, adding that Italy is prepared to “provide diplomatic support” and “play a role with our armed forces, with an international mission after Unifil.”

Tajani adds he has spoken with Italy’s embassy in Beirut and the initial signals following the agreement are positive.

“Now we need to translate the agreement into practical action,” he states.