NATO chief 'struck' by Renzi leadership, reforms - update

(ANSA) - Rome, February 26 - NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg praised the reformist agenda of Premier Matteo Renzi on Thursday, adding that a strong Italian economy is positive for the North Atlantic alliance.
    "I am struck by Renzi's leadership and commitment to reform, the economy is picking up and this is a good thing for Italy, the European Union and NATO because a strong economy is also important for the security of NATO," Stoltenberg said.
    The NATO secretary-general also thanked Italy for taking in the "large flow of migrants who cross the Mediterranean".
    "NATO is ready to give its support to incentivise" the conditions for defending Libya, Stoltenberg said. Human traffickers are exploiting a worsening security situation in the former Italian colony including the growing presence of Islamic State militants to expand their activities towards Europe.