Good afternoon everyone, and thank you for being here.

I am very happy about our meeting with the President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, whom I thank for coming here today.

There are many matters on which Italy and Spain have the same point of view, and there are many issues that we have often found alignment on already over the last months, within the European Council. 

This relationship has become particularly important as Spain prepares to take over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and I believe it was particularly important for us to use this meeting to take stock of the alignment between our nations, of the need for Europe to give effective and immediate responses, during such a delicate phase, on a number of issues that we are discussing, and that we also discussed during our bilateral meeting today. 

We know very well what these issues are: they are the issues we have been discussing on a daily basis over the last months. In particular, as far as Italy, but also Spain, is concerned, migration is a very important issue. As we have said on several occasions, the change of pace on this, with Europe now paying much more attention to the defence of its external borders, is an important step forward, but we agree that, at the next European Council meeting in June, we must be able to see concrete progress by the European Commission on the initiatives that need to be pursued, starting with allocations and the crucial investments to cooperate and find structural solutions together with countries in North Africa.

We have also spoken about competitiveness and industry, and also in this regard our positions have often been in agreement. Also on this, care must be taken regarding possible perceived use of ‘double standards’ or ‘two speeds’ when it comes to the various decisions taken by the European Council. So, just as steps were taken quickly to concretely relax State aid rules, which was important to some countries, we trust that the necessary work can be carried out just as quickly for both existing funds to be used with as much flexibility as possible and for progress towards a sovereignty fund, which several of us have asked for, in order to encourage and support European industries.

Then there is the major issue of economic governance, and Spain will play a key role in this as we all hope for a reform of the Stability and Growth Pact by the end of this year. Italy’s position, and not only Italy’s, is to have governance rules that pay sufficient attention to growth rather than focusing much more on stability, as has been the case in the past, because the only way to ensure stability, until proven otherwise, is to have structural and lasting growth. We believe it is fundamental for this reform to be completed by the end of the year; we have reiterated our full support to President Sánchez and shall work together during the Spanish rotating Presidency in order to reach this goal.

We also spoke about the war in Ukraine, not only reiterating our full support for Ukraine, as we will continue to ensure comprehensive support for President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people for as long as necessary, but also discussing how to encourage progress towards a just peace that respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Italy will be hosting a conference on Ukraine’s reconstruction at the end of April, so we are already working for the future, for reconstruction. Also on this, we are in agreement.

We are clearly both very interested in strengthening our strategic partnership even more; over the years, this partnership has given us great satisfaction. I believe we can do even more, further improving trade in sectors that are particularly strategic today: I am of course thinking of energy, and also culture, because there are nations that are bound by very solid ties and that have made enhancing their cultural heritage an important part of their strength. 

Our bilateral economic exchanges increased a lot in 2022, showing that there is clearly great alignment and also potential that we intend to strengthen. 
In recent years, and over the last few months, our bilateral relations have resumed with vigour. Minister Fitto and Minister Sangiuliano have already been to Spain and the Spanish Minister of the Interior, Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Defence have come to Italy; today’s bilateral meeting is another key step.  The Spain-Italy Dialogue Forum was held in Rome last week; this yearly event serves to give impetus to the debate on European economic and social issues.

I believe a spotlight must also be shone on the fact that there are Italian companies that continue to have room in Spain, also winning major tenders. I am thinking for example of high-speed rail, in relation to which Italy is leaving a very important mark with its ‘Frecciarossa’ trains. This shows that in Spain, in Spanish society, Italian know-how and our companies’ expertise are always well regarded. The same of course applies to our Spanish friends. 

I think all this should be strengthened - I shall say it again - also by valuing our common roots, our historical ties, the fact that we are two very similar and close Mediterranean nations, that understand each other even though each speaks in their own language. This is therefore undoubtedly a relationship we intend to strengthen.

I thank President Sánchez for being here today, and thanks to his delegation. We are ready to work together on whatever is necessary for our respective national interests and for Europe.

[Courtesy translation]