26 June 2008
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer travelled to Rome to hold talks with the new Italian Government. He met with President Napolitano, Prime Minister Berlusconi, Defence Minister LaRussa and the President of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Senate, Mr Dini.
In his discussions, the Secretary General welcomed Rome's intention to enhance the Italian contribution to the Afghan mission, including in particular to relax the restrictions on the use of Italian forces in theatre.
Mr De Hoop Scheffer also congratulated the Italian authorities on its intensive diplomatic engagement in NATO, Kosovo and Afghanistan.
They also agreed on the importance of continued engagement with Russia, and of ensuring that the appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure a secure environment in Kosovo through this period of transition.
