Diplomacy and culture are essential weapons to fight terrorism, but Italy can be proud of the role being played by its army in conflict zones such as Afghanistan, premier Matteo Renzi said on Tuesday.
"There needs to be a diplomatic and cultural response to terrorism," Renzi told reporters after a meeting in Rome with Afghan president Ashraf Ghani, who earlier met Italian president Sergio Mattarella.
"But we should not underestimate Italy's military commitment in Afghanistan, which is something of which we can be proud," Renzi
"Thanks to Italians, Ghani can play his democratic leadership role," Renzi said.
Renzi paid homage to the 54 Italians who have lost their lives in Afghanistan, where some 750 troops are still deployed in a non-combat role with NATO's Resolute Support mission.
Ghani urged Italy to keep its military presence in Afghanistan.
"In this way we will stand together and won't give up, showing we support and share common values," he said.
He denied that the Muslim faith sanctioned terrorism.
"We need to fight terrorism and not let fear win," he stressed.
.jpg)
