“Ensuring the security of our one billion people is NATO’s most sacred duty, and that is why we are expanding our defense industrial capacity,” the Secretary General said, adding: “We must move further and faster for our own deterrence and support.” Ukraine.”

The Secretary General stressed that Italy is “a steadfast and reliable ally that contributes in many ways to Euro-Atlantic security.” He highlighted Italy's leadership role in the new NATO battle group in Bulgaria, its contribution to NATO operations in Hungary and Latvia, and the use of Italian jets to protect Allied airspace and ships to keep key sea routes open. “Italy is once again leading our peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, KFOR, contributing to stability in the Western Balkans,” he added.

The Secretary General thanked Prime Minister Meloni “for being such a strong supporter of Ukraine.” He stressed that allies and partners “will continue to stand by Ukraine, because Ukraine's fight is our fight,” and welcomed Italy's strong support for the action plan adopted at the Washington Summit for a stronger, more strategic and results-oriented approach the southern NATO countries neighborhood.

As part of his visit, Secretary General Rutte also visited the Italian facilities of the arms company Rheinmetall.