The Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Giorgio Silli, visited Canberra, Australia, during the inaugural session of the new Parliament, marking the first government meeting between Italy and Australia since the election.
The Undersecretary met with, among others, the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Anne Aly; the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Assistant Minister for Integration, Matt Thistlethwaite; the Assistant Minister for Tourism and Pacific Island Affairs, Nita Green; and the President of the Australia-Italy Parliamentary Friendship Group, Raff Ciccone.
Among the topics discussed during the talks were ways to enhance the contribution of the Italian community to the political life of the country and opportunities to strengthen commercial cooperation in the fields of culture and tourism. There was complete agreement on the major international issues, including free trade, support for Ukraine and its reconstruction, the fight against climate change, the protection of human rights and humanitarian law in crisis situations.
With Italy enjoying a trade surplus of almost €5 billion (out of €6 billion in trade), the common interest in strengthening mutual investment was reaffirmed, including through support for SMEs and high-tech start-ups. The Undersecretary expressed his hope for a rapid resumption of negotiations for a free trade agreement between the EU and Australia, a unique opportunity for further intensification of trade, including bilateral, in a context of uncertainty in international trade.
Finally, Undersecretary Silli met with representatives of the Italian scientific community, particularly those involved in space and high-tech investments.