British News Agency

Prime Minister Meloni said the Italian government received with surprise President Trump’s statements that NATO allies had “fallen behind” during operations in Afghanistan.

Recalling that after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks NATO activated Article 5 for the first and only time in its history, Meloni said: “This was an extraordinary demonstration of solidarity toward the United States of America.”

Meloni stated that in this large-scale operation against elements fueling terrorism, Italy acted immediately together with its allies, deployed thousands of troops, and assumed full responsibility for the Western Regional Command, one of the most critical operational areas of the international mission.

Emphasizing that statements downplaying NATO countries’ contributions in Afghanistan are unacceptable—especially when coming from an allied country—Meloni said:

“Italy and the United States are bound by a strong friendship based on shared values and historical cooperation. In the face of today’s many global challenges, this bond is more important than ever. However, friendship requires respect; this is an indispensable condition for sustaining the solidarity that forms the foundation of the Atlantic Alliance.”