Armed Forces: President of the Council of Ministers Paolo Gentiloni Bids Farewell

Rome 22 May 2018

This morning President of the Council of Ministers Paolo Gentiloni bid farewell to the Armed Forces top ranks and Italian military engaged in international missions. The videoconference has taken place at COI (Joint Command Operations), in the presence of Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti and Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Claudio Graziano

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"It's a great honour to bid farewell to our top officers and contingents engaged in out-of-theatre operations and missions. The Armed Forces have significantly contributed to our security and boosted Italian prestige abroad"

Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni's inscription in the Book of Honor of COI (Joint Command Operations) marked the conclusion of the videoconference during which he bid farewell to military personnel engaged in a number of theatres as well as top officers of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Carabinieri Corps and Customs Police

Gentiloni was accompanied by Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Claudio Graziano and COI Commander, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone.

The videoconference took place with our contingents in Afghanistan, United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Kosovo, Iraq, Kuwait, Indian Ocean (Navy Ship Margottini), Mediterranean Sea (Navy Ship San Giusto) and Albania (where our Customs Police operates with its Maritime Border Team-Durrёs).

Top officers included: Army Chief Gen. Salvatore Farina, Navy Chief Admiral Valter Girardelli, Carabinieri Commander General, Gen. Giovanni Nistri, Commander Air Squadron, Air Force Gen. Fernando Giancotti, and Commander General Customs Police, Gen. Giorgio Toschi.

In his speech Prime Minister Gentiloni underlined how the participation of our Armed Forces in international bilateral and multilateral missions- under the aegis of the EU, UN and NATO- strongly contributes to boost Italy's role, image and prestige at the international level.

"We are reliable allies", he added, and went on to thank Minister Pinotti and General Graziano for their contribution and great professionalism in tackling "…complex situations in complex theatres", such as Italy's commitment in the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh and in the Mediterranean Sea, to counter human traffickers and deal with the migrants' crisis.

In her farewell address Minister Pinotti underscored the professionality and humanity of the Italian Armed Forces, which contribute to enhance the role played by Italy at the international level: "You make us proud with your commitment", she said.

A commitment characterized by the Armed Forces ability to adapt to circumstances.

Her inscription in the Book of Honour read "I want to thank COI for the significant capability shown in supporting a great military effort with excellent results".

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