During the two-day visit last week of the Italian Chief of Defence, General Claudio Graziano, Prime Minister Andrej Babis and Minister of Defence Klara Slechtova met with the General and the Czech Chief of General Staff, General Becvar, to discuss international co-operation.
"We have held detailed discussions with General Graziano, specifically regarding further advancement in co-operation within the various international organisations. These talks are especially relevant now as General Graziano is to become the next President of the EU Military Committee in November," said Minister Karla Slechtova.The two Generals also discussed various ongoing projects related to the development of military capabilities of EU countries, the experiences and challenges of troops during international NATO and EU deployment operations. They also considered the current security situation and risks that directly affect Europe and the rest of the world.
General Becvar explained when discussing the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) which incorporates European security and defence policies, and represents a significant qualitative shift towards a European Defence Union, "For the Czech Republic, our involvement in PESCO is a good opportunity to strengthen our defence capabilities. At the same time, PESCO will also be contributing to the strengthening of the European pillar of NATO while assuming greater responsibility for the defence of Europe.
Both Italy and Czechia actively contribute to operations which help to control the flow of migrants from Northern Africa. Armed forces of both countries have participated in the EUNAVFOR MED operation, aimed at disrupting the smuggling business, and the anti-piracy EUNAVFOR SOMALIA mission. They have also provided support to the EU Training Mission in Mali.
The EU’s chiefs of defence elected General Graziano on November 7th, 2017 to be the next chairman of the European Union Military Committee, and he will assume his new post in November this year.
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Visit also:
- Biography of General Graziano (www.difesa.it...)
- General Graziano chosen to lead EU Military Committee (www.politico.eu...)
- Permanent Structured Cooperation (https://eeas.europa.eu/...)
March 9, 2018
