Meeting between Minister Tajani and the Ambassadors of Latin American and Caribbean States

Today, at Villa Madama, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, met with the Ambassadors of Latin American and Caribbean States.

Minister Tajani strongly desired to hold the meeting in order to reaffirm the importance given by the Italian government to relations with Latin America. Tajani stated that "The region has a prominent position in Italy's foreign policy by virtue of the deep historical, political, social, economic and cultural ties between our countries, as well as the deep-rooted presence of numerous Italian communities and businesses".

Opening the meeting, Minister Tajani announced for October the next edition of the Italy-Latin America and Caribbean Conference organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The event is the main forum for political dialogue with the region, as well as a functional tool for promoting relations with Latin American and Caribbean countries. In his speech, Tajani recalled the industrious and appreciated Latin American communities in Italy and the increasing number of Italian companies active on the continent, - which are attracted by a particularly interesting market - without forgetting the work of civil society exponents, including many volunteers and missionaries, and that of exponents from the academic and cultural world.

Tajani then spoke about the role that Italy intends to play at the European level to support the concrete relaunch of the partnership between the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean, in view of the forthcoming summit in Brussels - the first in eight years - of the Heads of State and Government of the EU Member States and CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States).

Lastly, Minister Tajani reminded the Heads of Mission of Rome's candidacy for Expo 2030, whose theme, "People and Territories: Regeneration, Inclusion and Innovation", shares values and vision with the countries of the region, and presents ample opportunities for collaboration.