America News Agency

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed his satisfaction with meeting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome.

Schoof emphasized that relations between the Netherlands and Italy are excellent: "We work together in many areas, both bilaterally and as members of the European Union and NATO. Of course, the war in Ukraine and security in Europe were the main topics of our meeting. We welcome reports of a possible ceasefire in Ukraine and hope that it will lead to a real cessation of hostilities."

Prime Minister Schoof stressed the need for significant and rapid investments in European defense to ensure security:

"We must continue our support for Ukraine without interruption. Italy is a valuable partner for the Netherlands, and we can take joint steps to better control migration. In this context, we welcome the European Commission's proposal to return foreigners who are not permitted to stay in Europe. This is an initiative supported by both the Netherlands and Italy. This issue will be discussed in more detail at the upcoming European Council meeting in Brussels."