LAHORE, March 2: The Italian government supports the steps being taken by Pakistan to keep peace in the region, especially the measures taken after movement of armies on the both side of its border with India, Angelo Gabriele de Ceglie, the ambassador of Italy, said here on Saturday.

He was speaking at a ceremony in which industrialist Husain Dawood was installed as honorary consul of Italy at Lahore.

Pakistan is, he said, and must continue seeking solution of all problems besetting the region through talks. The government of Pakistan, he said, had taken many courageous steps on internal and external fronts. These, he said, enjoyed full backing of the international community.

Talking about economic cooperation between the two countries, Mr Ceglie said that: “The Italian government has already changed $85 million loans into a social action grant and would continue working with Pakistan in fields of trade and culture.” The Italian government has also provided a $7 million grant for small and medium industrial projects.