President Mamnoon Hussain Wednesday conferred the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) on General Claudio Graziano, Chief of Defence General Staff of Italian Armed Forces, in recognition of his outstanding services and contribution in promoting friendly ties between the two armed forces. President decorated General Claudio Graziano in a special ceremony here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, which was attended by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Rashad Mahmood, Secretary Defence and senior civil and military officials.
General Claudio Graziano said he was proud of being the recipient of such a prestigious award. He said armed forces of both countries shared the same values and commended the role of Pakistan Army in the fight against terrorism for peace and stability in the region.
"Even though we are geographically far, but we have excellent relations between our two armed forces," General Claudio Graziano said. The Italian Army Chief said cooperation between the militaries of the two countries would continue in future. According to a statement from the President House, General Claudio Graziano later called on President Mamnoon Hussain and discussed matters of mutual interest.
The President congratulated the Chief of Defence General Staff of Italian Armed Forces on being conferred with Nishan-i-Imtiaz (M) and appreciated his services in strengthening relations between the two countries. The President said Pakistan was committed to eradicate extremism and terrorism through National Action Plan and Operation Zarb-e-Azb, which would continue till elimination of the last terrorist.
President Mamnoon Hussain said that all countries in the world should join hands to combat terrorism as it was now a global problem. He Said Pakistan had been the worst victim of terrorism and had sacrificed more than 60,000 lives and suffered economic losses of more than $100 billion. The President said that over the years there had been an increase in cooperation in the defence sector between Italy and Pakistan and now the two countries had a strong foundation to further solidify this cooperation.
President Mamnoon Hussain noted with appreciation that Italy had been offering training facilities to Pakistan armed forces personnel and hoped this cooperation would continue in the future. General Claudio Graziano thanked the President and the Government of Pakistan on being awarded with NI (M) and hoped that bilateral relations between the two countries would be taken to new heights in future. He said cooperation between Italy and Pakistan was of great importance to realise the common goal of peace and prosperity in the world.
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