A “dense political programme” of top level visits and bilateral meetings is being drawn up by Italy and Turkey, a “strategic” partner for Rome. The news was given by Ambassador Gianpaolo Scarante, in a presentation in Istanbul of the events the Italian institutions are organising in Turkey for 2012. The Ambassador also commented on Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi’s recent visit to Istanbul. “These political contacts will continue in 2012 with high level visits, including at ministerial level”, said Scarante in his presentation on the “Italian Horizons” programme.
The Ambassador, who was speaking at a press conference, added “we are currently drawing up a schedule for meetings at the highest level: including at prime minister and president of the Republic level. So a very full political programme”. He added that it is no coincidence that, just a few days after it was installed, the new Italian government sent its Foreign Minister to Turkey. “Minister Terzi came with a very clear message: Italy is present and continues to view Turkey as a political and economic partner at the highest strategic level”.
Scarante described the “Italian Horizons” economic, cultural, social and sports programme as a complement to – and, in some ways, the backbone of – this political understanding.
