Italian honour for best cadet of Sultan Qaboos Naval Academy
MUSCAT: Sub Lieutenant Ahmed bin Ali Al Mazrouie, a most distinguished cadet of the Sultan Qaboos Naval Academy, was awarded with the Italian honour of “naval dagger” by Italian Defence Attache, Captain Stefano Crementieri.
“The award was bestowed as a symbolic sign of friendship between Italy and the Sultanate of Oman,” said Captain Crementieri while addressing a gathering on the occasion of the Italian Armed Forces Day.
“Every year, in the Naval Academy of Livorno, Italy, the most distinguished cadet is prized with this symbolic dagger,” the Captain added.
Speaking about the award, he said, “This event does not only mean to encourage our younger generation for doing their best to serve their homeland and work for peace, but it also represents an occasion to strengthen the traditional friendship between the Royal Navy of Oman and the Italian Navy and, more in general, between our armed forces, between our countries.”
Captain Crementieri thanked His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and the Omani military authorities for their friendship and the affection shown towards the Italian armed forces.
Speaking about the friendship between Oman and Italy, the Captain said, “The level of cooperation reached between our respective armed forces are an evidence of the existing strong and friendly ties between the Sultanate of Oman and Italy. The outstanding support provided in all circumstances has always been very much appreciated.”
He also expressed his gratefulness to Oman for welcoming Italian ships during their call at the Omani ports of Muscat, Salalah and Duqm.
According to the Captain, the Italian Armed Forces Day also marks the annual appointment of the Italian military personnel with the Italian community.
He also shared his strong feelings of gratitude towards the thousands of women and men involved in Italian defence activities in many parts of the world, who operate for peace, freedom or humanitarian assistance.
The Captain said they work with determination, dedication and high motivation to restore hope to the many suffering people and who are in search of a more dignified life.
“They operate to provide freedom, security, progress, quality of life and serenity that we should never take for granted,” he said.