The president of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, today chaired the meeting of Supreme Defense Council. The high council expressed its recognition for the commitment of the Armed forces in more than a year of pandemic. The NATO and European Union contexts were analyzed, which remain the pillars of our country's security and defense policy. Italy, it emerged from the meeting, supports all measures aimed at increasing their effectiveness in order to successfully pursue international peace and security. The Council then examined the threats and risks that characterize the numerous crisis areas and operational theaters. The pandemic is worsening the socio-economic situation of the most fragile regions, with humanitarian consequences and also implications for the safety of the populations. In this context, transnational terrorism could find new room for maneuver and remains a worrying threat, which must be countered with decisive action, of a multilateral nature and within the initiatives of the international community.
La Libya it remains in a critical situation and constitutes a priority for our country, within the framework of a national strategy that sees its center of gravity in the Mediterranean. Italy strongly supports the new Government of National Unity and the reunification and normalization process supported by the United Nations, in the primary interest of the Libyan people and for the stability of the entire region. The return of our soldiers fromAfghanistan. , in compliance with the decisions of the Atlantic Alliance, it must take place in a framework of maximum security, according to the plans drawn up in agreement with the allies. Italy and the international community will continue to support the country, in terms of development cooperation, to consolidate the progress made. In Iraq, it is necessary to continue to work, together with the Government and the institutions of the country, in order to guarantee the necessary security framework for rebuilding a climate of tolerance and social inclusion, a precondition for a future of peace and development. Italy will continue to contribute to the stabilization of the region.
The Council then took stock of the situation on the process Defense modernization. Investments in the sector represent a development opportunity for the country and can provide a fundamental contribution in the recovery and resilience phase after the pandemic, especially in the high-tech sectors. Finally, the need for proceed with determination in the process of inter-force integration of the Armed Forces, in order to make the best use of the available resources and increase the overall effectiveness of the Defense system.
The meeting was attended by the President of the Council of Ministers, Prof. Mario Draghi; the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Luigi Di Maio; the Minister of the Interior, Dr. Luciana Lamorgese, the Minister of Defense, Hon. Lorenzo Guerini, the Minister of Economy and Finance, Dr. Daniele Franco, the Minister of Economic Development, Hon. Giancarlo Giorgetti and the Head of Defense Staff, Gen. Enzo Vecciarelli.