The Chief of Defense Staff, General Claudio Graziano, traveled to Herat in Afghanistan for a visit to the Italian contingent which, on a mechanized brigade basis Pinerolo, guide the Train Advise Assit Command West (TAAC W) as part of the NATO “Resolute Support” operation engaged in training, assistance and consultancy for the Afghan institutions and security forces.
"In the recent Warsaw Summit, NATO confirmed its commitment to Afghanistan and Italy made itself available to still be one of the leading countries in this reconstruction process" - so the Chief of Defense Staff commented on the sidelines of his visit.
"It is an important effort - underlined General Graziano - that over time Italy has also paid with numerous casualties that we honor precisely with the success of our activity, with the will to continue our commitment in support of the population and the forces of Afghan security in the certainty that this contribution also gives them stimulus and support to conduct important activities that see them daily suffering bloody losses to maintain the safety and stability of this area. "
"I visited the fortress of Herat through the markets and the city and I had the opportunity to see the progress made in the reconstruction" - the general said, adding that "unquestionably this happened also thanks to the commitment of the Italian armed forces, to the collective commitment of our country and the international community in an area certainly of great crisis but also of great importance for the world in which it is essential to maintain our presence. "
The Defense Chief of Staff received an update of the situation in theArea of Responsibility in the presence of the Italian ambassador Roberto Cantone. In particular, General Mirra, commander of the Train Advise Assist Command Westt (TAAC W), illustrated the progress made by the Mission in terms of training, advice and assistance for the Afghan security and defense forces (Afghan National Defense and Security Forces - ANDSF).
"You are continuing to work well with that commitment and determination that I know well; I am very proud of you, our country is grateful to you and you are proud of what you are doing," said General Graziano greeting the Italian staff present in the base of Camp Arena.
During these two days in Afghanistan, General Graziano also met the governor of the city of Herat, mr. Rahimi Mohammad Asif, with whom he discussed the security situation in the area.
