Dear Vice Minister Eri, dear State Minister Miyazaki, esteemed members of the Diet, of the Armed Forces and of the diplomatic community, dear compatriots and friends of Italy and Japan, Ladies and Gentlemen.
It is a great honor and privilege for me to welcome you here today for Italy’s National Unity and Armed Forces Day, which our country celebrates every year on November 4.
This date carries profound meaning: it refers to the end of World War I for Italy, in 1918, with the signing of the Armistice of Villa Giusti, a moment that marked not only the end of a deadly and devastating conflict, but also the completion of Italy’s long journey toward national unity.
It symbolizes our shared values of peace, freedom and friendship among Nations, together with our commitment to safeguarding these principles.
Today we honor those who, throughout history, gave their lives for our Nation. Soldiers, sailors, airmen, carabinieri, heroic women and men to whom we owe the prosperity and the freedom we enjoy today.
But today is not only about remembrance. It is also a moment of gratitude towards the men and women of our Armed Forces who – today – continue to safeguard our security, uphold peace, and protect the values that define the Italian Republic, with courage, dedication and an unwavering spirit of duty and sacrifice.
As Minister of Defense Crosetto has often said, our Armed Forces stand as the first bastion of defense for our democracy, for the rule of law, and for global peace and stability.
In today’s complex and changing world, cooperation and dialogue are more essential than ever. In Japan, a close friend and – since 2023 – a strategic partner, we are keenly aware of the importance and benefits of working together to promote global stability and prosperity and to protect democracy, uphold shared principles, and preserve the rules-based international order.
Everywhere, in Europe and in the Middle East as well as in the Indo Pacific.
State-of-the-art initiatives such as the Global Combat Air Program, as well as training programs and joint exercises that are now supported by an operational ACSA Agreement are concrete examples of what Italy and Japan can achieve together.
This day is also important because it reminds us that “national unity” is not only a historical concept, but an ongoing mission — a symbol of cohesion, solidarity, and mutual respect.
To our Italian community here in Japan, I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation. Your daily work, your contributions in every field — economic, scientific, artistic — are part of the ever-growing promotion of Italy and its excellences.
Despite the distance from our Italian shores, your daily actions in Japan play a vital role in deepening the friendship between our two Nations and creating newer and broader bridges with the people of Japan.
The National Unity and Armed Forces Day also reminds us to keep looking ahead. Our men and women in uniform are engaged in numerous international missions, and they address new emerging challenges every day, from environmental protection to cyber and space security.
Our duty — as institutions and citizens — is to keep alive the memory of the past and translate it into a commitment for a better future.
I would like to conclude by proudly acknowledging, once again, the Italian women and men serving with our Armed Forces for their work to ensure the security of our borders, the safety of our communities, and global peace and stability.
To our Japanese friends, I confirm that we look forward to creating an ever-stronger bond of friendship and collaboration and continuing to preserve our shared values together.
I would now like to proceed, together with Vice Minister Eri, with a symbolic exchange of the Verbal Notes with which our two Countries completed the procedure for the entry into force of the ACSA Agreement, an important step towards the enhancement of our security and defense partnership.
Thank you