Official visit of Minister Crosetto to Estonia and Latvia.

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"I wanted to be here to tell you personally: Italy is proud of you. Your presence on the eastern flank of the Atlantic Alliance is a concrete sign of the determination with which our country contributes to collective security and defends the Euro-Atlantic territorial integrity from every threat.

Your work is a testimony, at the same time, of the cohesion and solidarity that bind NATO member countries. To you, and to all the colleagues who, in these complex months, operate in delicate areas of the world, we extend our sincere thanks: through your service, Italy confirms its will to contribute to international stability.

Our commitment is to prevent escalation, showing how firmness, combined with respect for the commitments made with Allies, can pave the way for dialogue. Because strength, when exercised with a sense of responsibility, becomes the foundation on which to build paths to peace. Be proud of what you are doing!"

Thus said the Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, during a meeting with the Italian military of Task Group "Baltic" at the Camp Ādaži Base, during his official visit to Latvia. On this occasion, he placed a candle at the Monument to the Fallen at the Camp Ādaži military base.

Earlier, Minister Crosetto had a constructive and cordial meeting with his counterpart, Andris Sprūds:

"It was an opportunity for in-depth discussion on the difficult international situation. I was pleased to receive appreciation for Italy’s contribution to the security of the eastern flank of the Alliance and, specifically, for the work of our contingent in Latvia. We reiterated our desire to strengthen collaboration between our defense sectors, seeking new synergies both in the military and industrial fields. We also shared satisfaction for the excellent collaboration between our contingents, which operate side by side in Kosovo and Lebanon: a concrete example of how Italy and Latvia share responsibilities and commitments for international stability in all areas," declared the Minister.

Visit to Estonia

Yesterday, during his official visit to Estonia, Minister Crosetto had a productive and cordial meeting with his Estonian counterpart Hanno Pevkur: "I received appreciation for Italy’s contribution to the eastern flank and, in particular, for the work of our contingent in protecting the airspace of the Baltic States. We share a common will to seek new opportunities for defense collaboration in order to address future challenges together: from cyber defense to space defense."

Also yesterday, the Minister met the Italian military of the "Baltic Eagle III" operation at the Ämari Base.

"It is an honor to bring you the greetings and thanks of the Government and the Italian people. With me is my colleague Hanno Pevkur, and I thank him for joining in expressing appreciation for the work you are doing to protect the airspace of the Baltic States," said Minister Crosetto, who then added:

"Your commitment is essential for the security of the eastern flank of the Atlantic Alliance and demonstrates how Italy is a responsible and determined actor. In this delicate moment, the Italian command of the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission confirms the strategic role of Defense and reaffirms the value of our Armed Forces, recognized also at the international level.

Yours is a mission that takes place at a difficult and dangerous time, and recent events have made even clearer the importance of your task. Our posture is not provocative, but firm, so that the situation does not deteriorate, clearly showing that any escalation would have consequences for all. Deterrence and determination to respect the Pact binding NATO Allies must pave the way for dialogue: strength is the first brick on which to build peace. I bring you the respect of all of Italy. I am proud of you!"