NATO ‘indispensable’ for Italy’s national security, prosperity: Premier

By Ahmet Gencturk

ANKARA (AA) - Italy on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to NATO.

“I confirm Italy's commitment to NATO and the common challenges that the alliance is facing in this delicate time,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said at a joint news conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg following their meeting.

Emphasizing that transatlantic and European dimensions are essential for the country’s security, she said that the alliance is “indispensable” for the country’s security and prosperity.

“There is no prosperity without security,” Meloni went on to say.

Stoltenberg, for his part, praised Italy’s contribution to the alliance.

“Italy is one of the founding countries of our Alliance and has a fundamental role,” he said.

Also thanking Italy for the diplomatic and military support, the NATO secretary general said: “Italian support is making a difference.”

Referring to the latest developments in the ongoing Russian war on Ukraine, he said it would be a “profound victory” for Ukraine if Russians withdraw from Kherson as reported.

Italy, a founding member of NATO, hosts numerous major NATO facilities including bases for air, naval, and ground elements, NATO Defense College in Rome, and Allied Joint Forces Command Naples.