Minister Fantino meets Italian Undersecretary of Defence to discuss common security issues

News Release

June 10, 2015

ROME, ITALY — The Honourable Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence, met today with Italy’s Undersecretary of Defence to discuss defence matters, including the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), and NATO’s response to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.

Quick Facts

During the meeting, Minister Fantino and Domenico Rossi, the Undersecretary of Defence, covered a range of topics. They discussed the mass refugee migration issues facing Italy, as well as both countries’ contributions to the multinational coalition combating ISIS, and to NATO assurance measures in Central and Eastern Europe. They also discussed NATO’s measures to respond to changes in the international security environment, and ongoing Canada-Italy defence cooperation.
Minister Fantino and Undersecretary Rossi first met in 2014, to exchange best practices and discuss veterans’ programs and services.
Canada and Italy enjoy positive defence relations as NATO allies. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Italian Armed Forces have worked together in NATO operations in Libya, Kosovo, and Afghanistan.
Canada’s relations with Italy are rooted in shared values and longstanding close cooperation. As a founding member of NATO and the EU, the fourth-largest EU economy, and a G-7/G-20 member, Italy is a key partner for Canada in addressing global issues.
There is a shared history in the Italian Campaign of the Second World War. More than 93,000 Canadians played a vital role as the Allies pushed from the south to the north of Italy over a 20-month period. Canadian casualties in the Italian Campaign totalled more than 26,000, nearly 6,000 of which were fatal.

Quotes

“Canada and Italy are longstanding allies and partners in the international arena and our Government is committed to maintaining this important relationship. Canada recognizes Italy’s significant efforts in combating ISIL and fighting jihadi terrorism which threatens our collective safety and security. I want to thank Undersecretary Rossi for this very important and productive meeting that underlined the importance of our continued defence cooperation.”
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Member of Parliament for Vaughan and Associate Minister of National Defence

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Contacts

Ashlee Smith
Director of Communications to the Associate Minister of National Defence
Department of National Defence
613-291-5105

Media inquiries

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811

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Minister Fantino meets Italian Undersecretary of Defence to discuss common security issues

News Release

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