The importance of the positive outcomes achieved and agreements signed by the Afghan President, Hamid Karzai, during his visit to Italy and other European capitals was reiterated in today’s face-to-face between Minister Giulio Terzi and General John R. Allen. General Allen is the commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan
The meeting provided an opportunity for General Allen to thank Terzi for the vital role played by Italy in the various sectors of the international presence in Afghanistan. He expressed great admiration for the Italian military personnel’s exemplary manner of conducting operations within ISAF, especially during this sensitive transition period.
During their talk at the Foreign Minister in Rome today, 1 February 2012, General Allen up-dated Minister Terzi on developments on the ground in Afghanistan. His focus was the progress being made in the transition process, not least in view of the forthcoming NATO Summit in Chicago, which will also discuss the strategic partnership on Afghanistan.
Minister Terzi, for his part, underscored that Rome and Washington are “fully in tune” on the next steps to be taken in the transition process and in consolidating Kabul’s institutions. He reiterated Italy’s commitment in the civil assistance field also, most notably in training, to provide support during a “crucial transition for the future of the entire region”.
