NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday highlighted the commitment of the new Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, to the Atlantic Alliance during their first meeting in Rome, during which they discussed the «challenges coming from the southern flank».
At a joint press conference, Stoltenberg had words of appreciation for Meloni, whose «strong personal commitment to NATO», both as a bond that unites North America and Europe.
«It is important that we work closely together, especially at this critical time for our security,» said the former Norwegian prime minister, who recalled that as a founding member, Italy plays a «key role» in the organization.
He also valued Italy’s contribution to the defense of Ukraine, pointing out that it has contributed hundreds of millions of euros in financial and humanitarian aid.
At this point, Stoltenberg reviewed the contributions made by Italy to the multinational battalions, with participation in Latvia and leading the new one in Bulgaria, in addition to its role in the air patrolling of the Black Sea, maritime surveillance in the Mediterranean and its presence in the KFOR mission in Kosovo or the training of local personnel in Iraq.
Precisely on the issue of migration, which has attracted attention in Meloni’s first weeks at the head of the government for his refusal to disembark a humanitarian ship with more than 200 people on board, the allied Secretary General has affirmed that NATO is «vigilant» to «the challenges coming from the south».
«With our operation Sea Guardian we patrol regularly in the Mediterranean. A mission to help counter illegal immigration in the Aegean,» he stressed, claiming the work of the Atlantic Alliance in the fight against illegal migration.
Stoltenberg’s trip is part of the latest tour in Europe to meet with leaders such as the British, Rishi Sunak, or Meloni herself, who have taken office in recent dates.
