By Sarah Saad
The Egyptian Army Chief of Staff (CoS) Lieutenant General Osama Askar and his accompanying delegation returned home on Friday, winding up a several days’ official visit to Italy where he met with Defence Staff of the Italian Armed Forces Admiral Giuseppe Cavo.
Welcoming him at the premises of the Italian Defence Staff, Askar was given a red carpet reception as he along with Cavo reviewed the guards of honour and national anthems of both countries were played.
Talks between the two sides covered a set of issues of common interest as well as means of bolstering co-operation relations between the two countries’ armed forces. They also discussed the latest regional developments and their impact on security and stability of the Middle East region.
Askar also inspected joint operations command of the Italian Armed Forces and was briefed on the techniques used as well as command and control mechanisms.
He also paid a field visit to one of the combat units, its equipment and arms used, praising the outstanding level of training and excellent potentials possessed by the Italian Armed Forces with its various branches.
The CoS also met with senior officials in a number of Italian companies operating in the field of defence industries and was briefed on some products and the stages of their manufacturing.
Askar’s visit to Italy comes within the framework of deepening partnerships and military co-operation between the two armed forces of Cairo and Rome.
