Tripoli, September 30, 2025 – At the Italian embassy in Tripoli, the ceremony for the change of command at the top of the Bilateral Assistance and Support Mission in Libya (MIASIT) took place. The mission is now led by Paratrooper General Maurizio Settesoldi, who takes over from Colonel Luigi Tufano, in the presence of the Joint Operational Command (COVI) Commander, General of the Army Corps Giovanni Maria Iannucci, the Italian ambassador to Libya H.E. Gianluca Alberini, the Bishop of Tripoli H.E.R. George Bugeja, and numerous civil and military authorities.
General Iannucci: “Libya's stability crucial for the Mediterranean”
The ceremony was marked by the speech of General Iannucci, who conveyed the greetings of the Minister of Defense, Hon. Guido Crosetto, and the Chief of Defense Staff, General Luciano Portolano.
In his speech, the COVI commander emphasized the strategic significance of the Italian mission:
“Our presence in Libya is a concrete expression of the commitment of the Italian Armed Forces for peace and stability in the Mediterranean. Libya's security is an integral part of Italian and European national security.”
The General's words reiterated the role of MIASIT not only as an operational outpost but as a political-diplomatic tool supporting regional stability.
The handover and Settesoldi's role
The central moment of the ceremony was the handover of command to General Maurizio Settesoldi, who now assumes responsibility for the mission in a complex and delicate context. His operational experience and training among the ranks of the paratroopers guarantee continuity and dynamism.
General Iannucci expressed full confidence in the new commander, thanking Colonel Tufano for his demonstrated commitment and wishing Settesoldi success in the new challenge.
Cooperation with Libyan authorities
Before the ceremony, General Iannucci and Ambassador Alberini met with the Libyan Chief of Defense Staff, General Mohammed Al-Haddad, who expressed gratitude for the Italian support, highlighting the importance of the MIASIT mission as a pillar of bilateral cooperation.
The visit continued to Misurata, at the MIASIT detachment, where the delegation was welcomed by Colonel Stefano Ferrari. Here, General Iannucci also met with the commander of the Libyan Air Academy, with whom he discussed the training activities conducted by Italian personnel.
Conclusion
The presence of General Giovanni Maria Iannucci conferred strong institutional value to the handover, highlighting Libya's centrality in Italian security strategy.
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