(ANSA) - TRIESTE, 31 LUG - After the embarkation, from the port of Bari, of the first tactical and logistical vehicles, as well as logistical materials, the deployment of the Italian contingent that will soon be deployed in Bulgaria as part of the Battle Group 'Enhanced Vigilance Activity,' which concerns reassurance measures on NATO's eastern European flank, has begun. To be deployed will be The 82nd Infantry Regiment "Torino" of the Army's "Pinerolo" Brigade. 55 containers, 49 tactical-logistics vehicles and materials have been loaded at the disposal of the Italian contingent for the fulfillment of the mission authorized by Italian political authorities under NATO auspices. The deployment of Italian army units, for the first time on Bulgarian territory, was possible thanks to a complex activity of drafting technical-logistical-administrative agreements between the Allies and Bulgaria, the host nation.

Italy, after an initial phase that was purely logistical and fundamental for the start of the mission with the deployment of about 750 men and women of the army, will assume the leadership of the mission, which will see the involvement of other Alliance contingents. By joining the eVA initiative," explains a statement from the Defense General Staff, "Italy is confirmed as one of the main contributors to strengthening NATO's deterrence and defense posture on its eastern flank. Operational activities related to the mission in Bulgaria will be conducted under the coordination and according to the directives issued by the Inter-Forces Summit Operations Command. (ANSA).