Minister Crosetto: NATO plays a fundamental role in guaranteeing collective defence and security also on the Southern Flank

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“In Vilnius we have reiterated our will and commitment to guarantee our collective defence. We are experiencing an especially hard moment in history, which requires that we are united in tackling the fundamental themes of our future, committing ourselves to prevent and tackle current and emerging crises", Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said at the end of the Vilnius NATO Summit. During the  summit the Minister also underscored the importance to pay greater attention to challenges emanating from the Southern Flank of the Alliance.
The event saw the participation of President of the Council of Ministers Giorgia Meloni and Vice President of the Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani.
In Vilnius Guido Crosetto  also took part in the signing ceremony of the  Memorandum on NATO Center of Excellence for Climate Change and Security.  
On the margins of the Summit the Minister held  a number of bilateral meetings. In particular, this morning he met with the Turkish Miinister of Defence, Yaşar Güler. Themes on the table included cooperation between the Armed Forces and in the Research and Development sector.
The two  ministers reiterated the common commitment for fair peace and shared attention to stability in the  Mediterranean and the Alliance's Southern Flank.
The minister also met with his Dutch colleague Kajsa Ollongren. The meting was an opportunity to have a frank productive discussion on our common commitment to NATO, bilateral cooperation between our Armed Forces and engagement in the Sahel.
Yesterday Crosetto had met the Greek Minister of Defence, Nikolaos Dendias, congratulating him on his recent appointment at the lead of the Defence Ministry.
During the cordial meeting, Crosetto stated: “Our common vision and joint commitment within NATO and the EU allow us to strengthen our relations to improve security in the Mediterranean and on the Southern Flank of the Alliance, areas of fundamental importance for international stability".