Secretary of Protection Lloyd J. Austin III hosted a go to by Italian Minister of Protection Lorenzo Guerini in the present day on the Pentagon. The 2 protection leaders mentioned the U.S. and Italian protection relationship, mutual considerations over Russia’s actions in Ukraine and shared pursuits exterior of Europe, equivalent to operations in Africa.
“Our assembly in the present day underscores the significance of our transatlantic relationships to our shared unity and safety,” Austin advised Guerini. “That is particularly essential as Ukraine continues to battle again in opposition to Russia’s unprovoked and unjust invasion … I wish to thanks for every part that you just’re doing to help Ukraine within the face of Russia’s indefensible assault on its peaceable neighbor.”
Austin additionally famous Italy’s contributions exterior the scope of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, equivalent to taking the lead on the NATO mission in Iraq in Could 2022, and taking the helm of the Kosovo Pressure mission once more this fall.
“Your navy’s presence within the Baltics, Romania, Iceland, Lebanon and in a number of nations in Africa, demonstrates once more that Italy is one in every of Europe’s most dependable safety suppliers,” Austin advised the Italian protection chief.
Guerini thanked Austin for main the Ukraine Protection Contact Group, which has met a number of instances since its first assembly in April.
“Let me categorical my gratitude on your management of the Ukraine Protection Contact Group, which contributes in a decisive option to supporting resistance in Ukraine, permitting a coordination between all contributing nations which might have been in any other case not possible,” Guerini mentioned.
The Italian protection chief mentioned Italy has performed an necessary position in serving to Ukraine defend its sovereignty in opposition to Russia’s unlawful invasion of their nation.
“Thus far we now have already delivered three packages of kit, together with a few of absolute relevance, and we’ll proceed to take action in shut synergy with allied nations, ranging from the US,” he mentioned.
The Italian navy has expressed willingness to additional contribute to NATO’s protection efforts.
“Along with what we’re already doing, the Italian armed forces are able to ship additional items with a view to strengthen the protection of our allies on the japanese flank,” Guerini mentioned.
Italy can be dedicated to the southern flank of NATO protection, he mentioned, noting that choices made through the current summit in Madrid ensured a stronger NATO dedication there.
“NATO is even stronger after the Madrid Summit, the place we now have made necessary choices equivalent to 360-degree strategic flexibility. Inside this framework, Italy welcomed and absolutely shared the confirmed centrality of the southern flank,” he mentioned.
It’s on the southern flank, on the Mediterranean, Guerini mentioned, the place a current {photograph} he and his employees had seen illustrated not solely Italy’s dedication to NATO, however its partnership with the U.S.
“We lately noticed an image of the U.S. and Italian naval teams with the carriers [USS Harry S.] Truman and [Italian aircraft carrier ITS] Cavour navigating facet by facet within the Mediterranean,” he mentioned. “This picture provides the picture of our friendship higher than any speech might do, and of the particular relation between the US and Italy, in addition to underscoring the significance of the southern flank.”
