"The first time I spoke to a deployed contingent was here, in Herat, ten years ago, when I was president of the Defense Commission. As then I want to emphasize the importance of the fact that you are here in the name of a country that asks for it and is your way of serving the homeland. You, far from your affections, make your families proud for what you do for the security and stability of this Region and to ensure a better future for this people. "
Thus the Defense Minister Roberta Pinotti speaking to the Italian contingent deployed in Afghanistan during the two days of her visit to the Asian country.
The Minister of Defense wanted to recall the tribute paid by the Italian armed forces in Afghanistan, specifying that although today the mission has changed it is necessary never to lower the guard.
"We have consolidated - continued the minister - a presence that allows us to have greater levels of security than those we had a few years ago. What you are doing for training and training in favor of the Afghan institutions and security forces is a useful job to build the stability of this country and, at the same time, to guarantee also the security of Italy because of crisis areas threats also come to the international community. " The area of responsibility of Italy, the Province of Herat is, in fact, the one that has the best indexes from all points of view: schooling, child mortality, including economic development, and this - said Pinotti - “it is also due to the way you have operated. "
"I am the spokesman for the thanks of the whole government, the way you live these missions is something that honors your country and Italy is really proud of what you do. " The minister concluded.
The Italian contingent stationed in Herat, on a mechanized brigade basis Pinerolo, guide the Train Advise Assit Command West (TAAC W) as part of the NATO operation "Resolute Support" engaged in training, assistance and consultancy in favor of the Afghan institutions and security forces.
During the visit, the Minister of Defense, accompanied by the Italian Ambassador Roberto Cantone, received an update of the situation in the area of responsibility of the contingent. General Mirra, Commander of the TAAC W, illustrated the progress made by the Mission in terms of training, advice and assistance in favor of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (Afghan National Defense and Security Forces - ANDSF).
During these two days in Afghanistan, Senator Pinotti also met the Governor of the City of Mr. Rahimi Mohammad Asif with whom he discussed the security situation in the area at the historic Citadel of Herat. The Governor acknowledged the great work done by the Italian contingent over the years and contributed to the greater security of the Western Region in which the situation appears to be better than in other areas of the country, a commitment that continues with support for the Afghan security forces thanks to the Italy's contribution to the development of regional infrastructure.
