In recent days, Italian Consul General in Los Angeles, Raffaella Valentini, made her first official visit to New Mexico, accompanied by Emanuele Amendola, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute. Consul General Valentini expressed her gratitude to New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for hosting a “fantastic reception” at the Governor’s Mansion, and to Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber for the “warm welcome” extended to her in the city.

During the visit, Consul General Valentini and Director Amendola toured the Aspect Studios in Midtown and explored the Site Museum of Santa Fe, where they admired the “uniqueness and beauty” of the exhibit Once Within a Time, curated by Cecilia Alemani. These experiences, they noted, sparked new ideas for future “bilateral collaborations in both cultural and economic fields.”

While in New Mexico, they also met with members of the local Italian community, including a group of Italian scientists and researchers working at Los Alamos National Laboratory. “It was a meaningful encounter that reaffirmed how highly valued Italian contributions are to the growth and prosperity of this remarkable state,” remarked Consul General Valentini.

The visit concluded on a high note with an “unforgettable performance of La Bohème at the magnificent Santa Fe Opera,” which she described as the “perfect finale” to the trip.

Consul General Valentini also extended her heartfelt thanks to Alessandro Minoli, the Honorary Consul in New Mexico, for “meticulously organizing this visit and for his ongoing efforts in representing and supporting the Consulate General and Italian citizens in this state full of opportunity.”

“Now it’s time to roll up our sleeves and take our collaboration to the next level,” the Consul General concluded.