Thursday 25 / April / 2024
Muscat: Italian Defence Attaché in Oman Andrea Barbalonga thanked the government of Oman for their support during the celebration of Italian Armed Forces Day.
“A very special thanks goes to the Sultanate of Oman for the outstanding support provided in all circumstances. It has always been very much appreciated,” said Barbalonga.
“I would like to address my warm respect and greetings to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said for his birthday and the Sultanate’s National Day, along with the best wishes for good health,” Barbalonga added.
On November 4, 1918, World War One came to an end in Italy, Barbalonga noted, saying, “The unification of our country was completed only at that time, and I would like to dedicate my deepest feelings to those soldiers, sailors, airmen and policemen who lost their lives to serve our country.
“I would like to also mention the thousands of women and men of the Italian Defence forces who today- as in the past - are deployed abroad in many parts of the world, operating for peace, freedom and humanitarian assistance.”
Omani cadet honoured with Italian Naval Dagger
Also, Barbalonga awarded an Omani with the Italian Naval Dagger, which he said was “a symbolic sign of recognition and friendship for their essential support. I would like to take this occasion to award the most distinguished cadet of the Sultan Qaboos Naval Academy with the Italian Honour Naval Dagger,” saidBarbalonga.
The award was presented to Cadet Officer Mazen bin Talib bin Mohammed Al Ghafri, for the exemplary behaviour and excellent results achieved at the academy.
Every year at the Naval Academy of Livorno the most distinguished cadet is awarded the symbolic dagger.
Attended by the Italian Ambassador in Oman, Giorgio Visetti, Brigadier General Rashid bin Hamoud Al Tamami, and other dignitaries, the event represented an occasion to strengthen the traditional friendship between the Royal Navy of Oman and the Italian Navy, and also between the Armed forces of the two countries.
