Italy safer thanks to troops in

(ANSA) - Rome, September 21 - 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.