Italian Army chief on 5-day visit to India from Monday

New Delhi, Nov 15 (UNI) To further cement ties and strengthen friendship between the two countries, Chief of Italian Army Lt Gen Fabrizio Castagentti will make a five-day visit to India beginning Monday.

The November 17-21 visit will not only enhance the existing military cooperation between the two countries but also open up new opportunities for training cooperation between India and the European giant, according to the Defence Ministry.

Besides interacting with senior military and civilian defence officials and discussing future cooperation between the two Armies, the Italian Army Chief will share views on each other's commitment to United Nation objectives and common concerns on increased global terrorism and security.

He is also likely to visit the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Army Field Formations and training institutions.

Regular exchange between Italy and India, with a view to build strategic partnership, has helped both coutries achieve a level of synergy in relations and in the present visit is an extension of that, it added.

Indian Army chief General Deepak Kapoor paid a visit to Italy in March 2007.

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