Today Defence Minister Guido Crosetto visited Camp Adazi Military Base in Latvia, to meet with the servicewomen and servicemen of Task Group Baltic, the Italian military contingent engaged in Operation Baltic Guardian. The latter is an Enhanced Forward Presence Mission, implemented on NATO’s eastern flank.

On his arrival, having reviewed the flags of nations present at the Base and received the honours of a Bersaglieri company, Minister Crosetto took part in the Candle Ceremony where he laid a candle to honour the fallen of the Latvian Armed Forces.

“The sacrifice of those who serve the country to ensure security, freedom and democracy is a noble sacrifice that benefits us all. Let me convey you my gratitude and the appreciation of the Italian State”, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said, addressing the servicewomen and servicemen of the Italian contingent deployed in the Baltic country within Task Group Baltic, with whom he spent Christmas Eve.

During his visit, Minister Crosetto also met with his Latvian counterpart, Andris Spruds: “A fruitful meeting, during which I underscored the Italian contribution on the eastern flank, shared assessments and received the expressions of gratitude for the work of our contingent”, Minister Crosetto stated.

The Italian contingent deployed in Latvia is tasked with contributing to deterrence and defence to tackle possible hostile actions on NATO’s eastern flank.