Italian, French defense chiefs meet in Rome

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ISTANBUL (AA) - Italy's defense minister met his French counterpart in Rome on Friday to discuss a range of issues including support to Ukraine.

Guido Crosetto and France's Sebastien Lecornu "confirmed the harmony and common commitment to support Ukraine and to defend NATO's Eastern Flank, reiterating once again that the main objective is always the achievement of a just peace," the Italian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"The war unleashed by Russia represents the most serious threat to the peace and stability of the European continent since the end of the Second World War, a clear violation of the principles of integrity and inviolability of territorial borders, of International Law and of the United Nations Charter," it added.

The two countries also recognized the vital importance of the Mediterranean region for security and common interests, according to the statement.

The border of Europe is affected by most international geopolitical challenges and a "complex geostrategic scenario, further worsened due to the aggression suffered by Ukraine on February 24, 2022," the statement read.

The ministers also exchanged views on the security of the Southern Flank of the Alliance, Europe's commitment in Africa, the strengthening of European defense and collaboration between their respective armed forces.

"It is important that Italy and France and that the armed forces of our countries cooperate in planning what will be our security for the future," said Crosetto.