Italy has commended the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) for its benchmark of consolidating peace and stability in war-torn zones across the world. Italy has therefore assured that it would continue to support Ghana’s international role in solving regional crisis. “Italy appreciates the level of troop contribution to and for works done by Ghana’s contingents to peacekeeping operations worldwide”, visiting Italian President Giorgio Napolitano said on Tuesday in Accra. “We are pleased with your sense of mission and the high level of professionalism being exhibited by your troops on peace missions, and we would continue to support you in your role”, he said. Mr Napolitano was addressing staff of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Accra as part of his official visit to Ghana. Italy was a major contributor to the construction of the second phase of the KAIPTC- conference centre, student accommodation and dining facility- which was completed late 2005. Italy also sponsors a training course for correction officers through partnership with the Legon Centre for International Affairs (LECIA) at the University of Ghana. President Napolitano, who was briefed on the purpose and function of the KAIPTC, said he was pleased to visit the Centre, which has succeeded in formulating high level programmes to enhance the skills of African peacekeepers as well as the international community. He expressed the hope that the KAIPTC would become a key benchmark for Ghana to consolidate its position on the African continent. The Defence Minister, Dr. Kwame Addo-Kufuor extolled the relations between Ghana and Italy, which dated back to Ghana’s independence era, with a number of Italian companies assisting in the nation’s infrastructural development, notably the Akosombo Dam and the Tema Oil Refinery. On the defence arena, cooperation between Italy and GAF has been significant, as Ghana purchased the Augusta Bell Helicopters and the Aermacchi fighter jets in use by the Air Force from Italy. Source: GNA