"In the current geopolitical scenario, the need to strengthen international relations among 'trusted friends' has become even more urgent," noted the Ambassador of Italy to the United States, Mariangela Zappia, in her welcoming remarks at the 16th "Transatlantic Award Gala Dinner" organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Italy (AmCham) in Milan.

"The U.S. and Europe have come closer together," she added, noting the importance of tools such as the Trade and Technology Council, which met the same day in Washington, to seize existing opportunities and enhancing the centrality of Italy, "firmly anchored in Atlantic solidarity and strong and strategic friendship with the United States," in the transatlantic relationship.

In her speech, preceded by the introduction of AmCham Italy President Luca Arnaboldi and followed by the speech of the Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Italy, Shawn Crowley, the Ambassador pointed out that "Italy in the U.S. is a leader not only in traditional sectors but also in innovative sectors of emerging technologies, where we boast unparalleled expertise, extending from mechanics, biotechnology, aerospace and energy." Reiterating the Embassy's commitment in Washington to further strengthening the economic partnership between Italy and the U.S., Ambassador Zappia mentioned some projects recently promoted by the Embassy, such as the creation of the first "Italian Innovation and Culture Hub" in San Francisco and the launch of the Transatlantic Investment Committee (TIC), as well as the strengthening of the network of scientific attachés in the U.S.