FERNANDES CALLS ON ITALIAN DEFENCE
MINISTER
The Defence Minister Shri George
Fernandes met his Italian counterpart Mr. Antonio Martino in Rome
last evening. Shri Fernandes is on an official visit to Italy.
The cordial talks focused on international
policy issues of common interest and the present state of bilateral
relations. The two Ministers also focused on the present international
security scenario including the Asian region and particularly,
on the threat of global terrorism in the post-September 11 era.
On this point, Martino and Fernandes
reiterated their Governments’ commitment to pursue global stability
by peaceful means such as diplimatic action, deterrence and developmental
assistance.
Stressing on bilateral relations
in the Defence sector, they pointed out, the excellent state of
relations between the two countries’ Armed Forces, that are jointly
deployed in important UN peacekeeping missions.
On this point, the Ministers have
agreed on the opportunity to finalize the Collaboration Agreement
– that is presently being examined by the two Defence General
Staff – which could also include some initiatives in the sectors
of staff training, exchange of exercises and experiences.
Ministers Martino and Fernandes also
dwelled upon the aspect of cooperation in the field of defence
production, which was set in the Draft Agreement of 1994 and is
being developed through a special Joint Committee.
