Italy to send 140 troops in Latvia within NATO force: FM

Italy will deploy troops in Latvia within a NATO force led by Canada, according to Italian officials on Friday.

"Italy has been participating for a long time in the policing missions in the Baltic Sea, and we will participate in the next few months with 140 men in Latvia," Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said.

Gentiloni made his remarks during a joint press conference with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg held at the NATO Defense College, following a conference that marked the 50th anniversary of the center relocation to Rome, and the 65th anniversary of its foundation.

The troop deployment was also confirmed to local media by Italian Defense Minister Roberta Pinotti. At the NATO summit in Poland in July, the Alliance agreed to form a contingent and deploy battalions for the first time in Baltic States and in eastern Poland.

However, Gentiloni stressed Italy would keep pursuing dialogue with Russia despite tensions. "This (deployment) is not part of a policy of aggression, but of a policy of reassurance and defense of our borders as an Atlantic alliance," the Italian foreign minister said.

The NATO secretary-general praised Italy's role in the history of the organization, recalling its contribution to the Baltic Air Policing, Turkey's air defense, Afghanistan and Kosovo missions, and counter-terror operation in the Mediterranean Sea.

"We will continue pursuing our policy of strong defense combined with political dialogue. NATO's mission is to keep our allies safe. But we must prevent accidents or miscalculations from spiraling out of control," Stoltenberg added. Endit