Kabul (BNA) President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani met with Lorenzo Guerini, Minister of Defense of Italy on Tuesday at the Presidential Palace, a statement said yesterday.
Minister Lorenzo Guerini expressed concern over escalation of violence and string of assassinations across Afghanistan and called for an immediate end to the violence, the presidential palace press office said.
The Italian Defense Minister praised the valor and bravery of the Afghan Defense and Security Forces in the fight against terrorism and said Italy supports a peaceful, united and democratic Afghanistan, according to the statement.
Minister Guerini added that Italy remains committed to continuing its assistance with Afghanistan in various areas and in terms of presence of Italian forces in Afghanistan within the framework of NATO Resolute Support Mission.
President Ghani, as quoted in the statement, welcomed the defense minister of Italy and thanked that country for its principled position to Afghanistan.
President Ghani said people of Afghanistan and the world with a unified voice call for halting the violence and asserted Taliban must understand that protraction of the violence will prompt the people of Afghanistan and the world to mobilize against them.
The President said that 100th Anniversary of Afghanistan-Italy diplomatic relations is a milestone in both countries’ ties and lauded Italy for its commitment to continue cooperation with Afghanistan in various areas.
President Ghani also extended gratitude to Italy’s support for development and economic programs in Afghanistan, particularly funding the fourth part of Khwaf-Herat railway project as well as its assistance within the framework of the NATO Resolute Support Mission.
