7 November, Rome hosted the annual international conference ‘Security and Defence Days’, organised by the De Gasperi Foundation, one of Italy's leading think tanks in the field of security.

On behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha, Director of the First Territorial Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andrii Nadzhos, took part in the event (online).

Opening the conference, he emphasised: "Faced with the brutal reality of aggression, we had no choice but to defend ourselves. Our struggle proves that Ukraine's resistance is the defence of principles that guarantee peace in Europe and beyond. And today we have the largest and most experienced army on the continent. So, the period when Ukraine was considered only a security recipient has ended. We have become its reliable provider."

The event was also attended by Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs on Security Policy of Italy Alessio Nardi, Special Envoy of Italy for the Reconstruction and Strengthening of Ukraine's Resilience Davide La Cecilia, as well as representatives of state authorities, international institutions, diplomatic circles and expert communities.

The forum is traditionally an important platform for in-depth discussion of the role of Europe and NATO, reflection on geopolitical transformations, and a shared vision of ways to build a common security future. This year's event was entirely devoted to the ongoing Russian armed aggression against Ukraine.