Premier Giorgia Meloni had a video call with Italy's troops engaged in international operations around the world from the Inter-Forces Operations Command Centre in Rome on Monday to wish them a merry Christmas.
During the call, the premier stressed the importance of the armed forces role as a deterrent.
"The strength of armies and their credibility is the most effective tool to fight war," she said.
"Dialogue, diplomacy, good intentions are certainly necessary but they must stand on solid foundations".
