Premier Matteo Renzi asked Italian troops in Afghanistan "for extra efforts" in their final months there assisting with "the transition towards freedom and peace".
"The final phase is the most difficult and we need to get the job done without bloodshed," Renzi said in Herat of the extension of service by Italian troops in Afghanistan.
Italy's involvement in the NATO-led Operation Resolute Support, the non-combat training and advisory programme, had been scheduled to finish at the end of this year.
Renzi's visit was unannounced and officials said the visit was linked to the celebrations for Italy's Republic Day national holiday on Tuesday.
The premier dressed in camouflage gear - over a white dress shirt - to meet the troops.
The leader of Italy's centre-left Democratic Party flew into Herat, where Italian troops have a base.
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