Pakistan, Italy explore new avenues of defence and security cooperation

Celina Ali

Rawalpindi: General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) of Pakistan, who is currently on an official visit to Italy, met with senior Italian military and government officials to discuss expanding bilateral defence and security cooperation.

During his visit, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza held separate meetings with Mr. Guido Crosetto, Minister of Defence Italy, General Luciano Portolano, Chief of Defence Staff, General Carmine Masiello, the Chief of Staff of the Italian Army and Mr Carlo Gualdaroni, Chief Executive Officer of Leonardo, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated in a press release issued on Saturday.

During separately held meetings, both sides discussed the evolving geo-strategic environment and reaffirmed shared commitment for enhancing existing bilateral ties while exploring new avenues of cooperation in the defence and security domain, ISPR stated.

The Italian civil and military leadership lauded the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.

Earlier upon arrival at Italian Armed Forces Headquarters, a smartly turned out military contingent presented “Guard of Honour” to the Chairman JCSC.