Defense Minister Roberta
Pinotti on Wednesday praised Italian soldiers serving in
Afghanistan on a visit to the country's troops in Herat.
Italian troops are in the country as part of Operation
Resolute Support.
"We have consolidated a presence that enables us to have
higher levels of security than what we did a few years ago,"
Pinotti said, citing the operation's training and educational
activities in support of Afghan institutions and security
forces.
"This is useful in building stability in this country and
at the same time ensuring the security of Italy, since threats
to the international community come from crisis areas," the
minister said.
The Italian mission is responsible for Herat province,
which now has the highest education and the lowest infant
mortality rates in the country, Pinotti said.
"This is due in part to how we operate - Italy is truly
proud of what you do," she said, thanking the troops for their
service.
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