Pontignano Forum: President Meloni’s message to the British Ambassador to Italy

President of the Council of Ministers Giorgia Meloni’s message of greeting to the British Ambassador to Italy, Edward Llewellyn, on the occasion of the Pontignano Forum:
*
Dear Ambassador Llewellyn,

it is an honour to send mine and the Italian Government’s greetings to the Pontignano Forum, which by way of exception is being held in Rome this year and which, over time, has become one of the main events consolidating and strengthening the ties that unite Italy and the United Kingdom. I wish to thank the British Embassy, the British Council and Co-Chair of the Forum Lord David Willetts for all their work in this direction over the years. My greetings also go to the UK Ministers who will be speaking at this two-day event, and to all those present.

Rome and London are linked by deep relations at both bilateral and continental level and by their full and deep-rooted conviction of the centrality of the transatlantic relationship. 

Ours is a historical friendship, as indeed I have mentioned during the meetings and telephone conversations I have had with Prime Minister Sunak over these first months in office. Our mandates actually began around the same time and I am sure we can work well together to defend our common values and our peoples’ interests. 

Italy and the United Kingdom share a past and a present, and will work together also in the future. This is the case not only in political, economic, cultural and social spheres, but also in the daily lives of the many Italian and British citizens who live and work in our nations, contributing to their growth.

We are facing complex challenges that require maximum joint efforts, but I am convinced, and I believe you are too, that our friendship and excellent relations can make the difference.

I wish you all the best with your work.

[Courtesy translation]