Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi received a delegation from the United States Congress at the Foreign Ministry today, 19 March 2013. The delegation was in Rome for the ceremonies for the inauguration of the Pontificate of His Holiness Pope Francis.
Bilateral relations in excellent health
The discussion focused on the excellent state of bilateral relations, which in 2013 are being further enriched by the programme of over 200 events in the “Year of Italian Culture in the USA”. Minister Terzi and the American delegation also addressed key international issues currently on the agenda. These included the need for strong support from the international community for the stabilisation in Libya and recent developments in the serious crisis in Syria. On the latter point, Italy and the United States are liaising closely, not least in light of the outcome of the Rome Conference on 28 February 2013.
The two sides also underscored the United States and Italy’s shared interest in revitalising economic growth and employment in both countries and, more in general, in the Euro-Atlantic community.
Parliamentary dimension one of the strongest links
“The parliamentary dimension has historically been one of the strongest links between our two countries. So too has the hugely important role that the Italian community in America has always played in relations between the United States and Italy”. This was Minister Terzi’s comment on the meeting with the American delegation led by the deputy from New Jersey, Chris Smith.
