Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio met with Czech Minister Jan Lipavský
The diplomatic meeting took place last week in Prague. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the stability of relations between the Czech Republic and Italy, with a common commitment to further strengthening them. Among the main topics of discussion were current international political issues, including the situation in Ukraine, sanctions against Russia and the EU’s southern neighbourhood.
“I presented the priorities of our EU Council Presidency to Minister Di Maio,” said Minister Lipavský. During the meeting, a memorandum was also signed with the aim of strengthening diplomatic cooperation between Czechia and Italy. With regard to this, the ministers emphasised the further development of trade between the two countries, with particular reference to investments and culture; Minister Di Maio said: ‘Green and digital transition, infrastructure and the aerospace sector are just some of the sectors on which we are aiming to strengthen economic synergies between Rome and Prague’. As far as culture is concerned, Italy plans to increase the teaching of Italian language and culture in the Czech Republic, starting with the activities of the Italian Cultural Institute in Prague. Another important topic of discussion was the need for a joint effort, on the one hand to cope with the humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine, and on the other to limit Europe’s energy dependence on Russia; both ministers agreed that Italy and the Czech Republic maintain similar positions on Russia’s aggressive conduct and will continue to work together to provide material, humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine. The ministers also agreed on the issue of EU enlargement to the Western Balkans, which must remain at the centre of efforts to bring stability and economic development to the region.
Minister Jan Lipavský said: ‘Italy is one of our most important partners in the EU and NATO and is our sixth largest trading partner. Minister Di Maio’s first visit to Prague in his capacity as Minister hints at the excellent relations between Italy and the Czech Republic. Italy is one of the Czech Republic’s closest partners not only in the EU but also in NATO, and the signing of the Memorandum underlines the interest in even closer cooperation and more frequent exchange of information through regular consultations between the two countries.
Source: https://www.esteri.it/; https://www.camic.cz/; https://www.mzv.cz/;
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