Italian Minister lauds Qatar’s efforts in fighting terrorism

DOHA: The Minister of Defence of the Italian Republic, Roberta Pinotti, has appreciated the Qatari efforts regarding fighting terrorism.

“We have signed an agreement with Qatar related to fighting terrorism and extremism, and we know that defeating terrorism takes long time and requires more of cooperation”. 

She also commended Qatar’s efforts in combating violence by spreading science and culture and countering extremist ideology that does not belong to any religion”.

Regarding the question about the GCC crisis and if it effects the relationship between both countries, Pinotti told The Peninsula on the sideline of DIMDEX 2018 yesterday that  “We feel serious concern about the crisis and hope all these countries to discuss the problems and find solutions”. 

Pinotti noted that the relationships between Qatar and Italy are excellent, adding that “I visited Qatar on October last year and now I am visiting DIMDEX 2018 here and it contributes to enhancing relations in the field of security and defence between both countries”. The joint military exercise between both countries represents the joint confidence between both countries. About the two agreements which were signed between Qatar and Italian companies, Pinotti said: “The signing of the agreements between Qatar and Italian companies was very important.” 

The Italian Minister added: “The agreements will enhance the relations between the two countries and it include also joint training”.

The first agreement was signed with Beretta to supply rifles to Qatar for use by different military sectors in Qatar. 

The second agreement was with Leonardo company to supply 28 medium sized twin-engine NH90 military helicopters to Qatar. 

The agreements were signed in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah and Minister of Defence of Italy Roberta Pinotti, in the course of the 6th edition of DIMDEX 2018.