Pakistan, Italy vow to defeat terrorism

ISLAMABAD: Top military commanders from Pakistan and Italy vowed on Tuesday to make joint efforts to defeat the menace of terrorism. The resolve came during talks between Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif and his Italian counterpart Lt Gen Danilo Errico in Rome.

The army chief is currently on a three-day official visit to Italy.

In a statement the military’s media wing, the ISPR, said Gen Raheel visited Italy’s Army Headquarters where a smartly turned out contingent of the Italian Army presented him a guard of honour.

During the meeting between the two army chiefs, matters pertaining to military-to-military relations, cooperation, defence collaboration and training were discussed. The Italian army chief thanked the Pakistan Army for its sacrifices and role in securing the region.

The army chief also met Italian Chief of Defence Forces General Claudio Graziano and discussed with him issues of regional security and defence collaboration. The two sides also vowed to work together for eliminating terrorism.

According to the ISPR, Gen Raheel said the Pakistan Army has a lot to offer to other armies.  The Italian chief of defence appreciated Pakistan’s success and expertise in fighting terrorism. “We see the Pakistan Army with respect and admiration,” the statement quoted him as saying.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29^th, 2015.