RIYADH, 17 October — Italy is seeking to expand defense cooperation with the Kingdom, especially in the field of aviation, the Italian Embassy said in a statement yesterday.
The move comes following wide-ranging talks on Tuesday between Prince Khaled ibn Sultan, assistant minister of defense and aviation for military affairs, and Gen. Sandro Ferracuti, the chief of the Italian Air Force. The talks were attended by Italian Ambassador Torquato Cardilli and Defense Attache Elvio Jardini.
Gen. Ferracuti, who later toured Royal Saudi Air Force facilities, expressed hope that Riyadh and Rome will broaden cooperation in the defense sector, especially in aviation area, according to the embassy statement.
Gen. Ferracuti’s visit comes within the framework of a bilateral defense accord and in response to an invitation from Gen. Abdul Aziz Al-Henadi, commander of Royal Saudi Air Force.
The Italian general is also scheduled to visit the Riyadh-based Advanced Electronics Company (AEC), a world-class local facility which produces a number of defense-related items including electronic devices, parts and components used in defense installations and equipment.
