“Statements that minimize the contribution of NATO countries in Afghanistan are not acceptable, especially if they come from an allied nation.” This was stated by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni regarding President Trump’s statements. “Friendship requires respect, a fundamental condition for continuing to guarantee solidarity at the base of the Atlantic Alliance”, adds the prime minister.
«After the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 – recalls Meloni – NATO activated Article 5 for the first and only time in its history: an extraordinary act of solidarity towards the United States».
«In that massive operation against those who fueled terrorism, Italy responded immediately together with its allies, deploying thousands of soldiers and assuming full responsibility for Regional Command West, one of the most relevant operational areas of the entire international mission».
«Over the course of almost twenty years of commitment, our Nation has incurred a cost that cannot be questioned: 53 Italian soldiers killed and over 700 wounded while engaged in combat operations, security missions and training programs of the Afghan forces».
«For this reason, statements that minimize the contribution of NATO countries in Afghanistan are not acceptable, especially if they come from an allied nation. Italy and the United States are linked by a solid friendship, founded on shared values and historical collaboration, even more necessary in the face of the many ongoing challenges”, concludes Meloni.