Rutte: Italy is leading KFOR once again, assists in Balkan stability

Secretary - General NATO, Mark Rutte, has said Italy is one of NATO's founders.

At a news conference, he spoke so after his meeting with Italy's prime minister, Giorgia Melon.

Among other things, he added, Italy is helping to enhance stability in the Western Balkans, leading NATO's mission, KFOR, for a mandate.

“Italia is a staunch and reliable ally. You are contributing in many ways to Euro-Atlantic security. You led NATO's new battle group in Bulgaria. You continue to secure troops for NATO deployments, as you said, in Hungary and Latvia”.

Your “Avians defend NATO airspace and your navy keeps major sea routes open. Italy is once again leading our peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, KFOR, helping promote stability in the Western Balkans”, has said Rutte.