Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed “amazement” and disapproval after former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested NATO allies might have been “left behind” during operations in Afghanistan. The remarks, made recently, prompted a swift response from Rome, underscoring the importance Italy places on transatlantic solidarity.
“The Italian Government learned with amazement of President Trump’s declarations according to which NATO allies would be “left behind” during the operations in Afghanistan,” a statement from the Prime Minister’s office read. “After the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, NATO activated Article 5 for the first and only time in its history: an extraordinary act of solidarity towards the United States.”
Italy, the statement continued, responded “immediately” alongside its allies following the 9/11 attacks, deploying “thousands of soldiers” and assuming “full responsibility for Regional Command West, one of the most relevant operational areas of the entire international mission.”
Meloni: Minimizing Allied Contributions is Unacceptable
Over nearly two decades of commitment to Afghanistan, Italy bore a significant cost, with 53 soldiers killed and over 700 injured during combat operations, security missions, and training programs for Afghan forces. For this reason, statements that minimize the contribution of NATO countries in Afghanistan are not acceptable, especially if they come from an allied nation.”
Meloni emphasized the enduring friendship between Italy and the United States, built on shared values and historical collaboration, particularly crucial given current global challenges. However, she stressed that “friendship requires respect,” a fundamental condition for maintaining the solidarity at the core of the NATO alliance.
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