5 July 2020 President Meta awards the Italian military attaché Colonel Fabio Cornacchia with the title “Knight of the Order of the Flag”: a valuable collaborator of our Armed Forces and a tireless promoter of Albania
President of the Republic, H.E. Ilir Meta decorated the Italian military attaché, Colonel Fabio Cornacchia with the high title “Knight of the Order of the Flag”, with the motivation: “In appreciation of the valuable contribution to strengthening the bridges of cooperation, in order to increase the academic and professional capacities of the Albanian military according to Euro-Atlantic standards. With gratitude for the expansion and deepening of cooperation between the two countries and friendly peoples. “
In his welcoming speech, President Meta noted the special pleasure of organizing a solemn ceremony to honor Colonel Cornacchia, the military of a comprehensive strategic partner country, Italy.
Among other things, the Head of State said:
“Colonel Cornacchia has an excellent experience, not only in Albania, but also in other countries with NATO forces.
His first mission in our country was in 1999, during the Kosova War, where he contributed as part of the operation of NATO forces, to cope with the refugee crisis in that difficult and historic situation.
That experience left strong traces in his memory, thus when he was offered the opportunity to return to Albania about two decades later as the Military Attaché of Italy, he received it with great pleasure.
During these years as a Military Attaché in our country, he has made an excellent contribution to strengthen the very good cooperation between the Italian and Albanian military forces in all directions.
Especially regarding the education and training of our military in Italian military schools, training and preparations for joint operations of the military police and carabinieri, recently also in the field of military health. In particular, we thank Colonel Cornacchia for his commitment in the difficult time of pandemic, to facilitate the procedures for the selection of Albanian candidates to pursue studies in the military field in Italy.
His professionalism, correctness and excellent communication with Albanian colleagues but also of partner countries, interaction and continuous cooperation with all Albanian institutions have made Colonel Cornacchia a very valuable collaborator of the Armed Forces of our country.
After 3 years of service as a military attaché, Colonel Cornacchia will leave Albania to return to Italy. But I am sure that both of his experiences in our country have made him an inseparable friend of Albania and I am sure that he will always be a supporter of our relations, but also a promoter of all the beauties of Albania.
At the same time, I want to thank him for all his dedication, professionalism and integrity shown! “, – said President Meta.
The solemn ceremony was attended by the Minister of Defense, Mrs. Olta Xhaçka, the Ambassador of the Republic of Italy in Tirana, H.E. Fabrizio Bucci, representatives of local institutions and authorities, family members, friends and colleagues of the military attaché.