The Chief of Defense Staff, General Claudio Graziano, on an official visit to Afghanistan, today welcomed the Italian contingent operating within the NATO operation Resolute Support, on a brigade basis Garibaldi.
During his speech to the personnel of the Armed Forces and the Carabinieri present in Afghanistan, the Chief of Defense Staff highlighted that Italy is the second contingent, by number, present in Afghanistan and continues to collect unanimous recognition international for the skills, professionalism and importance of the work of its Armed Forces.
"A lot has been done - underlined the general - but there is still a lot to do in Afghanistan and our support is still needed for the development of a country that has suffered and is still suffering from so many years of terrorism".
"Italy needs you, draws prestige from your work and I, as commander, am proud of what you do!"The general concluded.
During the visit, General Graziano attended the training activity conducted by personnel of the 4th Alpine Parachute Regiment (Cleaning) in favor of special units belonging to National Defense Security and to the police and highlighted how "the training of local forces is the only way to ensure this country of stability."
Before continuing the visit to Kabul, General Graziano witnessed the launch of the Tactical Unmanned Aerial System "SHADOW 200", a small unmanned aircraft, recently acquired by the Italian Army, for video surveillance and information gathering.
Arriving at the Afghan capital the Chief of Defense Staff had a long meeting with the deputy commander of the operation Resolute Support, the Italian general Rosario Castellano and with the Italian ambassador in Kabul, Roberto Cantone, with whom he took stock of situations on the current conditions of the country with particular reference to the development of activities to promote greater integration of women and children in the scope of Afghan society.
Tomorrow the Defense Chief of Staff will hold meetings with representatives of local institutions and will also meet the president of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani.
