Our support for EU's security, Mattarella tells Zelensky

(ANSA) - ROME, JAN 10 - Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Friday told his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky during a meeting at the presidential Quirinale palace in Rome that Italy was determined to maintain its support for Ukraine, explaining that the commitment was due to the friendship linking Ukraine and Italy, the respect of the international community's rules and the security of the entire Europe.
    "I am very happy to welcome you again at the Quirinale Palace", said Mattarella, recalling the meeting between Zelensky and Premier Giorgia Meloni held the previous evening at the premier's office in Palazzo Chigi.
    "I also confirm Italy's determination to maintain a full, unaltered and constant support for Ukraine, against the aggression of the Russian Federation.
    "We do it in for the friendship that connects Ukraine and Italy, we do it for the respect of the international community's rules, against the pretence to impose with weapons the will to another country, to another State.
    "We do it for the security of the entire Europe", said Mattarella.
    "You are welcome in Italy and in Rome - Welcome President", the Italian head of State told Zelensky.
    Mattarella also met Zelensky in Rome in May 2023 when the Ukrainian president had travelled to Italy for the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
    During the meeting on Thursday night between the Italian premier and Zelensky, a note issued by Meloni's office at Palazzo Chigi explained, the prime minister "expressed solidarity with the victims of the recent Russian bombings and reiterated the 360 degree support that Italy assures and will continue to assure to Ukraine's legitimate defence and to the Ukrainian people, to put Kyiv in the best possible condition to build a fair and long-lasting peace".
    Meloni has been among Ukraine's staunchest supporters in its war to fend off the Russian aggression.
    After the bilateral talks, Zelensky wrote on X that the "key topics of our discussion included strengthening security, addressing global developments, and preparing for this year's Ukraine recovery Conference to be held in Rome.
    "I am deeply grateful to Italy and the Italian people for their unwavering support.
    "Together, we can bring a just peace closer and strengthen our collective positions", the Ukrainian president wrote. (ANSA).