Türkiye Honors Italian Army Chief at Ankara Ceremony

Turkish Land Forces Commander Gen. Yasar Buyukanit presented the Turkish Armed Forces Medal of Merit to Italian Land Forces Commander Gen. Filiberto Cecchi at a ceremony held at Land Forces Command Headquarters in Ankara.

Buyukanit praised Cecchi for his distinguished service to Italy and for strengthening military ties between the two countries, expressing hope that the medal would symbolize the goodwill shared by both nations and their armed forces.

Cecchi said he was honored by the recognition, noting that the two armies have served together under NATO in joint operations across the Balkans and Afghanistan, working to combat terrorism and promote peace and security in volatile regions.

The Italian delegation was scheduled to leave Türkiye on Tuesday.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in June 2006, in its own words.