This morning he arrived in Mogadishu where he was welcomed by the Italian general Antonio Maggi, Commander of the European training mission EUTM Somalia which aims to help develop the country's security sector.
The Defense Chief of Staff met with Somali Prime Minister Abdirashid Ali Sharmake, Defense Minister Sheikh Ali Dini and Defense Chief of Staff General Gen. Aden Ahmed.
During the meetings the local authorities thanked General Graziano for the important support that Italy provides to Somalia.
"In a country under reconstruction, security is essential" said General Graziano "Italy is very committed to the stabilization of this region and I strongly believe that the training of local forces is important to ensure the security of Somalia", he underlined the Chief of Defense Staff.
"It is an honor for us to receive the Italian Defense Chief of Staff - said the Somali defense minister - the history that links the two peoples is long and the Somali people are honored by the privileged relationship with you". "What we are experiencing is a very difficult time for internal security in combating Shaabab terrorism and we thank for the formation that the Italian armed forces assure our military together with the role of advisor that they perform in favor of the Ministry of Defense thanks to which they have dealt excellently with the terrorists, freeing entire areas of the country "
The Defense Chief of Staff continued the visit to the base that hosts the Italian contingent and met the military who will spend the next holidays away from home "As your commander I am proud of what you do and how you do it".
The General told the staff of the EUTM mission. "Your presence here and the training you carry out with great commitment and professionalism are an important contribution to combating terrorism in this country".
"Internal security and international security are increasingly intimately linked; your work and that of colleagues deployed throughout the other theaters in which the Italian armed forces operate, plays an important role for international security and to avoid the spread of terrorist phenomena" "I wish you and your families a Merry Christmas, Italy is proud of you".
