Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that the views expressed by US President Donald Trump regarding the withdrawal of NATO allies from Afghanistan have caused surprise within the Italian government. According to her, such statements overshadow the real contributions made by NATO countries and are unacceptable.
The editorial reports that Giorgia Meloni recalled that NATO invoked Article 5 as a demonstration of extraordinary solidarity with the United States. This decision was considered an unprecedented step in the alliance's history and demonstrated the collective commitment of member states in the field of security.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Italy immediately responded to this call by sending thousands of soldiers and taking over the command of the Western Regional Command. According to her, this step clearly demonstrated the country's responsibility within NATO and the spirit of alliance.
Giorgia Meloni noted that during the Afghanistan mission, Italy lost 53 soldiers and more than 700 were wounded. She stated that statements belittling the contributions of NATO countries are unacceptable, declaring, "Friendship requires mutual respect."