The Defence Minister Teodor Melescanu met the Italian Deputy Defence Minister Giovanni Lorenzo Forcieri who is on official visit in Romania, on April 23, 2007.

The official talk agenda included, among others, the very good bilateral military cooperation with real opportunities for a further development.

They have pointed out, during the official talks, the excellent cooperation between the Romanian and Italian soldiers deployed to the theatres of operations in Afghanistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo province and Iraq. This is an example of military solidarity and cooperation.

The Minister Teodor Melescanu thanked to the Italian authorities for the support they offered to our country into the NATO and EU integration process. He also asserted Romania's availability to contribute to the EU Battle Group, with Italy lead-country. The EU Battle Group is a military multinational rapid response group planned to become operational in the second semester of 2010.

MoD Spokesperson