Minister Crosetto on Official Visit to Washington

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“Italy and the United States share a long-lasting friendship: our two countries are united by a unique friendly relationship”, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said during today’s meeting with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon.

A long, constructive dialogue at 360°, which highlighted the common will to strengthen cooperation between Italy and the United States as well as multilateral cooperation. The meeting was an opportunity to discuss the current international situation and emerging critical issues.

“The United States – Minister Crosetto added – has played a fundamental role in our fight toward democracy, and today’s talks are an opportunity to discuss what we want to continue doing together”.

Minister Crosetto and the US Secretary of Defense discussed a number of themes, including NATO, the Alliance’s Eastern Flank, the Enlarged Mediterranean, Africa and the Balkans.

During the meeting the US Secretary stated that Italy is a fundamental ally on NATO’s Southern Flank, underscoring as well the special friendship between the two countries.

In the morning Minister Crosetto visited Arlington National Cemetery to lay a wreath in honor of the Fallen.

Minister Crosetto was accompanied by Italy’s Ambassador to Washington Mariangela Zappia. He also laid a small flower gift on the tomb of an Italian soldier buried in Arlington, and visited the local museum which shows the highlights of American history and contains the gifts that the representatives of foreign Armed Forces have donated during their visits to the cemetery.

While in Washington Minister Crosetto also met the personnel of the Italian Embassy, to whom he expressed his greetings and his gratitude for the important job they do.

“Thank you for your commitment in promoting friendship and cooperation between Italy and the United States. Your work is fundamental to strengthen the ties that unite our nations and represent our country at its best”.