HR/VP Kallas visit to Rome and Vatican City

On 2 October, HR/VP Kaja Kallas travelled to Rome and Vatican City.⁣
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In Vatican City, she met with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and the Holy See’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. With His Holiness, she discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the need for a just and lasting peace, the situation in the Middle East and the urgent humanitarian needs, as well as the growing risks posed by societal polarisation and AI.⁣
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In Rome, the HR/VP met with Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.⁣
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With Minister Crosetto, the HR/VP discussed Italy’s important contribution to EU missions and operations, including Operation ASPIDES in the Red Sea, as well as the need for a stronger European response to growing hybrid threats.⁣
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With Minister Tajani, the HR/VP discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its impact on global food security, as well as the upcoming EU mission in Lebanon.