MARJAYOUN, Lebanon – Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero on Friday told soldiers from his country serving here in southern Lebanon that their efforts are winning security and stability in the region.

Accompanied by his ministers of defense, Carme Chacon, and foreign affairs, Miguel Angel Moratinos, Zapatero visited the blue helmets serving at the Miguel de Cervantes base in Marjayoun as part of the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon, or UNIFIL.

It was the final stop on his tour of the Middle East, and took place several months before Spain, in February, takes command of UNIFIL, formed in the wake of Israel’s 2006 war with Hezbollah.

Before sharing a Spanish wine, Zapatero addressed the soldiers and said he was convinced of their ability meet “the level of responsibility” required to guarantee a future of peace and stability in southern Lebanon.

After praising the soldiers’ professionalism and discipline, he made “a commemoration full of emotion” for the military who have been killed in action while “representing Spain and the United Nations.”

Zapatero brought the soldiers a message of “support and affection” from King Juan Carlos and also addressed the Lebanese authorities invited to the ceremony to guarantee them the firm support of Spain in the search for peace, unity and security in Lebanon.

He had the opportunity to meet with the current commander of UNIFIL, Italian Gen. Claudio Graziano, who will hand over his duties to a Spaniard upon completing three years in the position.

When that happens, the Spanish government is working with the hypothesis of sending 200 more soldiers to Lebanon to join the contingent of 1,100 troops currently deployed there.

When he arrived at the base, Zapatero reviewed the troops and laid a floral tribute at the monument to fallen soldiers.

Before flying in a helicopter to the base at Marjayoun, Zapatero had a meeting in Beirut with acting Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora and President Michel Suleiman, who will begin Monday a three-day state visit to Spain.

Zapatero guaranteed them that “Spain will aid Lebanon whenever necessary.”

Suleiman for his part expressed gratitude for the role played by Spanish troops and spoke of strengthening bilateral relations with Spain during Madrid’s term in the European Union presidency in the first half of 2010.

With this visit, Zapatero ended his first tour of the Middle East, which included stops in Syria, Israel, the Palestinian territories and Jordan. EFE