Kazakh Defence Minister Leads Delegation on Visit to Italy for Military Cooperation Talks

Rome, The Gulf Observer: A Kazakhstani delegation, headed by Defence Minister Ruslan Zhakssylykov, visited Italy’s Ministry of Defense and various military facilities, as reported by the Kazakh Ministry of Defense. During the visit, General Colonel Zhakssylykov met with Italy’s Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, where they engaged in discussions about key areas of bilateral military cooperation, including military education, combat training, and peacekeeping operations.

General Colonel Zhakssylykov underscored the importance of peacekeeping for Kazakhstan, emphasizing the role of Kazakhstani officers in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, where they serve alongside the Italian contingent. This collaboration serves as a testament to the successful cooperation between the two countries in international peacekeeping efforts.

The visit concluded with the signing of a memorandum on academic cooperation and scientific research. This agreement aims to foster closer ties between Kazakhstan’s National Defense University and the Center for Higher Defense Studies of the Italian Armed Forces General Staff, opening new avenues for joint collaboration.

As part of the delegation’s tour, they visited the Pratica di Mare Naval Air Base and the Italian Air Force’s military airport, where representatives from Leonardo, Italy’s leading defense corporation, showcased combat helicopters and advanced software tools for the C4I automated troop management system.

The delegation also toured the ‘L’ Aquila’ mountain training base, located 119 km from Rome, where they received briefings on the infrastructure, equipment, and training programs of the Italian Army’s Alpine Regiment.

Earlier, Defence Minister Zhakssylykov had participated in the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2025) and the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX 2025), further underscoring Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities and international cooperation.