WORLD

Italy, Germany reinforce defence coop in face of 'growing threats'

Meloni and Merz sign security agreement at intergovernmental summit in Rome.

ITALY:(International News Desk)According to Global times News Agancy Europe,Premier Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signed an agreement on boosting defence and security cooperation in the face of "growing" threats during an intergovernmental summit in Rome on Friday.In light of growing global challenges and threats endangering the stability and lasting peace on the European continent, both Participants recognise the need for strengthened cooperation, primarily in the field of security, defence, and resilience," read the agreement.Italy and Germany reaffirm their shared commitment to strengthening existing security structures, such as NATO, the European Union, the United Nations, and the OSCE.They recognise that reinforced cooperation will contribute to enhancing European capabilities to safeguard the freedom, peace, and security of their peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law.They concur that their coordinated efforts will focus in particular on restoring peace and security in Europe".In the agreement, which is not legally binding and does not constitute an international treaty, Rome and Berlin reaffirm their full commitment to "strengthening NATO's deterrence and defence and advancing the EU's defence readiness".Meloni and Merz also signed a protocol on an Italian-German Plan of Action for strategic bilateral and EU cooperation.It said the countries "reconfirm the fundamental importance of a strong transatlantic bond between Europe and the United States of America, based on joint values and shared interests" and pledge to uphold "international law including principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty".