Mattis praises Italy’s security contributions in Belgium summit

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis met with Italian Defense Minister Roberta Pinotti this month, offering his appreciation and gratitude for their ongoing collaboration in security assignments.

After both leaders met in Brussels, Belgium, they discussed “the close and enduring U.S.-Italian defense relationship,” Navy Cmdr. Sarah Higgins, a Defense Department spokesperson, said. “In their introductory meeting, Secretary Mattis thanked Minister Pinotti for hosting U.S. forces on Italian soil and for Italy's critical contributions to global security in Iraq, Afghanistan, North Africa and beyond.”
Also during the meeting, Mattis made clear he expects to work closely with the Italians on security issues, specifically the dangers from North Africa and countries in the Middle East.
Together, the two leaders hope to fight “the efforts of Italy's carabinieri to train Iraqi police” and to dismantle the counter-Islamic State of Iraq.
In addition to this meeting, Mattis met with other European leaders at the Munich Security Conference in Germany.