NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen joint press point with the Minister of Defence of Italy, Mr. Mario Mauro.
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Secretary General's opening remarks:
Minister, thank you very much for your hospitality and for the excellent discussion today.
We will review the progress we are making in Afghanistan. Italy is playing a leading role in the West. And during my trips, I have seen the tremendous difference you are making. I salute the courage, the professionalism and the sacrifice of Italian service men and women.
Afghan forces are now taking the lead for security across the country. And by the end of next year, our combat mission will be completed. We are planning a new and different mission to train, advise and assist the Afghan security forces after 2014, so that we build on our hard-fought gains. And I am grateful for Italy's intention to play a leading role in that non-combat mission.
I'm grateful for Italy's strong commitment to our alliance. In every operation, NATO could count on Italy. From Libya to Kosovo, and off the Horn of Africa.
After over a decade of operational engagements, NATO has the most capable forces the Alliance has ever had, and the strongest ties with partners across the globe. As we draw down in Afghanistan, we need to maintain this ready, capable and interconnected NATO. So that we stand prepared to deal with any security challenge in today's complex and unpredictable world.
That is why we have launched the Connected Forces Initiative, to make sure that we all exercise, and do it together - among Allies and with partners. This is where we count on Italy to play a leadership role as well. To share its experience so that we can all learn from each other.
Keeping NATO fit for the future will be one of the main topics on the agenda when defence ministers meet in the autumn. I look forward to a constructive discussion. And Minister, I look forward to continuing to work with you.
