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UK and Italian armed forces to work more closely

Published on: 30 Oct 2018

The strong defence relationship between the UK and Italy has been bolstered following armed forces minister Mark Lancaster’s recent trip to Rome.

During the visit, Mr Lancaster highlighted how armed forces of both nations can work closer together, before further discussing future cooperation with Italian defence partners.

Mr Lancaster commented: “European security is UK security and we are strengthening our defence partnership with Italy, a key NATO ally.

“Our two countries cooperate on a wide range of shared security challenges, from threats to valuable cultural property to countering cyber attacks.”

Mr Lancaster has also announced that the army-led cultural property protection unit (CPPU) is now starting to recruit reservists.

The CPPU places obligations on the armed forces for the protection of cultural property from damage, destruction and looting.

Whilst speaking with Italian counterparts, Mr Lancaster reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to the Statement of Intent signed earlier this year to further defence and security cooperation between the two countries in the maritime, land, air and cyber domains, and to strengthen the interoperability of UK armed forces through regular planning and training activities.