Videoconference with 25 Theatres of Operations to extend festive greetings to the Defence personnel
President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella from the Quirinale Palace, joined by Defence Minister Guido Crosetto from the Joint Operations Command (COVI), extended their greetings to all the Italian military engaged in 25 theatres of operations by videoconference.
“Italy continues to provide an increasingly important contribution to the International Organizations within which it operates, i.e. the pillars of our security and defence policy: the UN, EU and NATO. Let me also express a spontaneous, as well as due thought for the Fallen, to continue to acknowledge their memory." The Head of State said in wishing all the best for the festivities to the men and women of the Defence engaged in the world most critical areas.
In his intervention Defence Minister Guido Crosetto expressed his appreciation for the good job done by the Italian military. "Today –he said- the global security picture has changed due to the ill-considered and unexpected aggression against Ukraine. Italy is playing its part both in terms of political and diplomatic actions and in terms of practical assistance to Kyiv's fight for freedom. We will continue in this wake, in full respect of International Law and people's freedom". In illustrating the global picture of the Italian contribution to international stability and security in problem areas, Minister Crosetto underscored the Italian engagement in NATO missions in both the Southern flank, within the Nato mission in Iraq, presently under Italy's lead, and the Eastern flank, an extremely sensitive area especially after the start of the Ukrainian conflict. In this regard, over the next two days the minister will travel to Hungary, Rumania and Bulgaria. As for the latter, Minister Crosetto will spend Christmas Eve with the Italian soldiers engaged in that country.
Authorities present at COVI for the videoconference included Chief of Defence Staff Adm. Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, the Chiefs of Single Services and the Commanders General of the Carabinieri and Customs Police, Defence Secretary General/Director of Armaments and Commander Joint Operations Command.
The videoconference was joined by the Italian military contingents engaged in Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Somalia, Egypt, Libya, Kosovo, Latvia, Romania, Niger and Albania and the crews of Navy Ships San Giorgio and Libeccio operating, respectively, in the Mediterranean Sea and Antartica, with the Italian Scientific research Mission SENITOFF.
Italy is currently engaged in 38 operations, including 35 international missions in 24 Nations. Overall, the Italian engagement amounts to approximately 12,000 personnel, with 7,000 units engaged in international operations and about 5,000 in the 3 operations currently ongoing in Italy.
