The Taoiseach Micheál Martin travelled to Lebanon to visit members of the Irish Defence Forces.
On Sunday Micheál Martin laid a wreath in the southern Lebanese town of Tibnine in memory of the 47 members of the Defence Forces who have lost their lives serving in the country.
Speaking to reporters following the ceremony, Martin said Ireland should continue to be involved in peacekeeping efforts in troubled areas and has made a significant contribution to peacekeeping in Lebanon.
“Peacekeeping is something that Ireland does well, that our armed forces do well and our defence forces do well,” Martin said.
The Fianna Fáíl leader is in Lebanon as part of a visit to mark the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.
In a tweet on Sunday, Mr Martin said he was “privileged” to take part in the memorial service.
The Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney and Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, are accompanying the Taoiseach on the visit.
Mr Coveney praised Irish troops for their “ongoing professionalism & service to the cause of peace.”
“Irish peacekeepers have the longest unbroken service to the UN of any nation. Very proud of that,” Coveney tweeted.
