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Today I am in Rome to meet with members of the new Italian Government. Italy is a founding
member of NATO. And it continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to NATO in many different
ways.
Italy has made a major contribution to our mission in Afghanistan, in particular by leading
our efforts in the West of the country. Italy is also one of the main contributors
to our operation in Kosovo, where we as in Afghanistan see real progress on the ground.
The Italian navy has just completed a tour leading our counter-piracy mission off the
Horn of Africa. And Italy was instrumental to the success of our operation to protect
the people of Libya two years ago.
Cooperation is particularly important at a time when many of our nations face tough economic
choices. This applies to joint operations, but also the development of critical defence
capabilities. And here, too, Italy provides a good example -- by taking part in 17 of
our multinational Smart Defence projects, and leading three of them.
Working together is the best way to get value for money.
It is the best way to have a strong Europe in NATO and in the world.
And it is the best way to strengthen transatlantic solidarity, which is the bedrock of our Alliance.