"Enhancing military presence… in Eastern Europe should be accompanied by political dialogue at the top level. To avoid further escalation of tension with Russia, we need to keep all the channels of communication open, starting with the NATO-Russia Council," Mattarella said in an interview with La Stampa newspaper.
"Our goal is to promote dialogue and encourage responsible behavior of all the stakeholders, " Mattarella told La Stampa newspaper.
NATO has been increasing its military presence in Eastern Europe and the Black Sea since the outbreak of the conflict in southeastern Ukraine in April 2014, in response to what it considers to be Russia's aggressive foreign policy.
Moscow has repeatedly dismissed the Ukraine-related accusations leveled at it, warning that increased NATO activities near the country's borders could undermine regional and global stability.
