During his visit to Italy over November 23 to 24, the Minister of National Defence Mihai Fifor had a bilateral meeting with the Italian Minister of Defence, Roberta Pinotti, on Thursday, November 23.

The two ministers discussed topics high on the bilateral agenda regarding cooperation within NATO and the EU. The meeting represented a good opportunity to continue the bilateral dialogue initiated during the meeting they had while at the ministerial in Brussels, of November this year.

As to the allied context, minister Fifor spoke highly of Italy's support towards the enhancement of the defence and deterrence posture as well as the allied forward tailored presence along the entire eastern flank and stressed Romania's support of a unitary, 360-degree approach of all the threats to NATO security and stability.

The two officials had an exchange of opinion as to the concrete cooperation ways concerning the European defence concept, especially PESCO. They also emphasized the importance of signing the Notification on the participation in PESCO, in Brussels, on November 13th by Romania, Italy along other 21 EU member states.

Minister Mihai Fifor stressed how important it is that Romanian and Italian soldiers continue to participate in multinational exercises meant to ensure interoperability. The two ministers agreed on enhancing cooperation in this respect.

They also discussed aspects regarding intensifying cooperation on military education and in the technical and military field, given the significant experience gained by participating in the major programs of the Alliance conducted under the EU aegis.

Minister Mihai Fifor was invited to participate as main speaker in the graduation ceremony for the 18th NATO Regional Cooperation Course, organized by NATO Defence College in Rome, on Friday, November 24.

Press Department