Pakistan, Italy agree to boost defence cooperation

-Chief of Defence, Italian Armed Forces meets Army Chief, CJCSC

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa Wednesday said that Pakistan values its relations with Italy and both countries earnestly look forward to enhance mutually beneficial multi-domain relations and forging strong defence cooperation based on common interests, according to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The Military’s Public Affairs Wing said in a statement released yesterday that the remarks were made as Chief of Defence, Italian Armed Forces, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa here at GHQ.
ISPR said during the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security situation and enhanced military cooperation in the fields of training and counter terrorism domains were discussed.
The statement further said the visiting dignitary acknowledged the professionalism of Pakistan Armed Forces. He also appreciated Pakistan’s role in regional stability and pledged to play his role for further improvement in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan at all levels.
In a separate statement ISPR said Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chief of the Defence Staff Italian Armed Forces, who was on an official visit to Pakistan, called on General Nadeem Raza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee here at Joint Staff Headquarters, Rawalpindi.
Matters of mutual professional interests including further strengthening of security and defence cooperation specifically in the field of defence production were discussed during the meeting.
The Chairman JCSC reiterated that Pakistan and Italy enjoy cordial relations, which are based on convergence on all important issues relating to peace, defence and security.
General Nadeem Raza said that there is enormous scope for expanding and deepening the existing relations in multiple domains including defence cooperation.
Chief of the Defence Staff Italy lauded the professionalism of Pakistan’s Armed Forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
Earlier, upon arrival at Joint Staff Headquarters, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone was presented with a guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Armed Forces. –ISPR