Pakistan and Italy Discuss Expanding Defence, Security Cooperation in Rome
Published October 02, 2026 | 07:10 PM
ROME, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Oct, 2026) Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Friday held bilateral talks with Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto here, reviewing defence, military, and security cooperation and discussing ways to broaden future engagement.
The meeting took place at the Palazzo Aeronautica, where the defence minister was received by Italian Defence Minister Crosetto. An Italian Armed Forces contingent presented a guard of honour, while military bands performed the national anthems of Pakistan and Italy. The two ministers also visited the Air Force Museum at the venue.
The discussions covered a wide range of bilateral defence and security cooperation. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to deepening and diversifying exchanges, focusing on regional peace and security, support for United Nations peacekeeping missions, and counter-terrorism cooperation.
The meeting addressed major international crisis scenarios, with specific attention to the Middle East and efforts to promote de-escalation and security for navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Crosetto highlighted the importance of dialogue and ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve outstanding issues and foster long-term stability.
Khawaja Asif extended an invitation to Crosetto to visit Pakistan for bilateral consultations, which the Italian defence minister accepted. The two ministers previously met at the Munich Security Conference in February 2026.
During his visit, the defence minister participated in several engagements organized by the Embassy of Pakistan in Rome. He granted interviews to Italian broadcaster TG1 and newspaper Corriere della Sera, followed by an hour-long question-and-answer session with Italian print, electronic, and online media representatives.
Representatives from Italy’s Rai network, international and Pakistani ethnic media, including Associated Press, Al Jazeera, Rome Press Club, ANSA, and Adnkronos, attended the embassy-hosted interaction. Think tanks and academic institutions, such as the Italian Institute for Asia, Center for International Studies, and students and graduates from LUISS and La Sapienza universities, were also present.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif utilised these engagements to outline Pakistan’s positions on diplomacy and dialogue, the Indus Waters Treaty, cross-border terrorism, and the May 2025 conflict with India. These descriptions align with Pakistan’s stated government position.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Italy, Ali Javed, Defence Attaché, Air Commodore Imtiaz Rahim Shahzada, and other embassy officials accompanied the minister during his visit.