Beirut – The Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Lapo Pistelli kicked off yesterday his Middle East mission, which will end on Thursday, April 30. The mission will bring him to Israel, Palestine and Lebanon to visit the projects of the Italian Development Cooperation in the area, meet with civil society as well as with high institutional personalities. The mission’s goal is to strengthen and develop the important ties between Italy and the concerned countries. In Palestine, Pistelli will deliver to the WHO, a load of medicines sent by AIFA for the benefit of the Gaza population. In Lebanon, he will inaugurate some projects implemented by Italian NGOs. The minister will then travel to the UNIFIL base, where he will meet the General Portolano and the staff of the Italian contingent. Also in Lebanon, the Deputy Minister will visit the Training Centre of the Lebanese Armed Forces, financed and managed by Italy. (9Colonne)