Chief of General Staff of Italian Army visits Albania

: Published: Wednesday, 09 March 2016 16:03

Chief of General Staff of of the Italian Army, General Claudio Graziano, is having a two-day visit in our country. After he was welcome by the guard of honor and the Chief of General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces (AAF), Major General Jeronim Bazo, General Graziano, had a meeting with Defence Minister Mrs. Kodheli.

The bilateral cooperation, the security situation in the Mediterranean Sea and the joint participation in the military operation "Resolute Support Mission" were some of the topics that Minister Kodheli discussed with General Graziano

The mission KFOR in Kosovo headed by Italy, where our country participates, took a special place in the conversation. Minister Kodheli attributed KFOR as a history of success of NATO and expressed that our country is ready to increase its contribution to this mission.

Minister Kodheli stated the support of our country to fight against terrorism and also the readiness of AAF for taking part in the training operation in Baghdad, along with Italian Carabinieri.

Minister Kodheli thanked General Graziano for their hospitality of AAF during their training “Trident Juncture 15” in Sardegna and for the support of Italy in the education of Albanian students at the best military academies of the neighbouring country.

General Graziano was informed about Albania's request for establishing a NATO center of excellence responsible for the treatment of the phenomenon of foreign fighters.

By his side, General Graziano expressed his satisfaction for the cooperation of two countries and described Albania as a vital strategic partner of his country.

Following, Chief of General Staff of the Italian Army, General Graziano and his accompanying delegation had a meeting with his Albanian counterpart Major General Jeronim Bazo.

Then General Graziano visited the Museum of Arms of the Armed Forces.