The Italian Government has learned with astonishment of President Trump's statements according to which NATO allies would have "stayed back" during operations in Afghanistan.

Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, NATO activated Article 5 for the first and only time in its history: an extraordinary act of solidarity toward the United States.

In that massive operation against those who fueled terrorism, Italy responded immediately alongside its allies, deploying thousands of troops and taking full responsibility for Regional Command West, one of the most significant operational areas of the entire international mission.

Over the course of nearly twenty years of commitment, our Nation has borne a cost that cannot be disputed: 53 Italian soldiers fallen and over 700 wounded while engaged in combat operations, security missions, and training programs for Afghan forces.

For this reason, statements that minimize the contribution of NATO countries in Afghanistan are unacceptable, especially if they come from an allied Nation.

Italy and the United States are bound by a solid friendship, founded on a shared community of values and historical collaboration, which is even more necessary in the face of the many current challenges.

But friendship requires respect, a fundamental condition for continuing to ensure the solidarity at the heart of the Atlantic Alliance.