After her participation in the historic canonization of Mama Antula -the first Argentine saint- at a mass presided over by Pope Francis in the Vatican, as well as in President Javier Milei’s meeting with the Holy Father, Foreign Minister Diana Mondino was received in Rome by his Italian counterpart, Antonio Tajani, with whom she analyzed the extensive bilateral agenda and the deep social and cultural relations uniting both nations.
Mondino explained to Tajani the profound structural changes that President Milei's Government is carrying out. “We hope that the reforms that are being introduced in the Argentine economy will renew the interest of Italian investors and help rebuild confidence in our country.”
The Minister highlighted the historical presence of Italian investors in our country in sectors such as infrastructure, energy transition and renewable energies, with more than 250 Italian companies that employ more than 50 thousand workers. Agreeing on the view that Argentina can be a reliable energy supplier, she also said that "Argentina wants to increase reciprocal trade and diversify its exports to Italy".
Mondino congratulated Tajani on the G7 presidency that Italy began last January and expressed her recognition for the support of the Italian Government in Argentina's accession process to the OECD.
Regarding the Mercosur – EU Agreement, the Foreign Minister pointed out that “it is a priority for the Argentine Government. We hope that the European bloc is also committed to an early conclusion of the negotiations”.
Minister Mondino conveyed her special gratitude to Tajani for Italy's invaluable collaboration in the repatriation of 1,023 Argentine nationals from Israel after the terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023.
On the other hand, both Foreign Ministers agreed that both countries will continue working together on Antarctic issues and deepen current scientific cooperation, while also agreeing to advance the mutual recognition of higher education degrees and promote greater cultural cooperation.
