Europe Asia News

European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kallas announced that she held a series of engagements in Rome, the capital of Italy.

In a statement on her social media account, Kallas highlighted the importance of Italy's contribution to EU missions and operations, including the maritime Operation Aspides in the Red Sea, and thanked her Italian counterparts.

Kallas said that during her meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, they discussed Russia's war against Ukraine and the impact of Russian attacks on grain ships in the Black Sea on global food security. She added that they also discussed preparations for a new EU mission aimed at strengthening the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Kallas said that during her meeting with Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, they addressed the urgent need to reinforce Operation Aspides with more ships in order to better protect global trade.

The meeting also addressed the need for a stronger European response to growing hybrid threats and the strengthening of Europe's defense readiness.