Zelensky, Meloni sign joint declaration
The text of the document was published on the website of the President of Ukraine, Ukrinform reports.
“The Italian Republic remains unwavering in its commitment to Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. The Italian Republic commends the determination and courage of the Ukrainian people and armed forces and acknowledges their significant contribution to the security of the Euro-Atlantic area and beyond. The Italian Republic will continue its political, financial, humanitarian and military support to Ukraine for as long as it takes – individually and through international cooperation in the European Union, in NATO, in the United Nations and in other formats,” reads the declaration.
As noted, the Italian Republic has made solid military contributions to Ukraine, which will continue taking constantly into account the most urgent and immediate needs of Ukraine to strengthen its defence capabilities. In addition to its national contribution, the Italian Republic is actively involved in the measures of the European Union and NATO in the military assistance to Ukraine and in the training of Ukrainian soldiers.
The Italian Republic supports Ukraine's initiative for a just and sustainable peace based on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Ukrainian Peace Formula includes a variety of important objectives, many of which the Italian Republic is already working on such as food and energy security. The Italian Republic stands ready to cooperate with Ukraine to ensure as wide an international participation as possible in the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula also through open events to be held in the near future.
Ukraine and the Italian Republic also agree on the need to increase collective pressure on Russia through further sanctions.
Moreover, Italy strongly supports Ukraine in its reform efforts and in meeting the requirements needed to start accession negotiations in 2023.
“In the NATO framework, the Italian Republic continues to focus on immediate support to Ukraine, contributing to a substantive upscale of NATO's Comprehensive Assistance Package to Ukraine. The Italian Republic continues its strong support to bolster Ukraine's capacity to defend itself. Ukraine has the right to choose its own security arrangements. Italy fully supports the NATO-Ukraine Commission as a venue to further increase and expand the ongoing cooperation to help fulfil Ukraine's path towards the Euro-Atlantic family, consistent with the Bucharest Declaration. At the upcoming NATO Summit in Vilnius, we look forward to addressing all these issues,” reads the declaration.
