The President called Italian President Giorgio Napolitano today to thank him for his distinguished leadership and his enduring commitment to the U.S.-Italy relationship during his historic tenure as Italy's President. He underscored the major contributions President Napolitano has made to Italy's political and economic well-being, benefiting not only his nation, but also Europe and the broader transatlantic community.

The President praised Napolitano's long and steadfast dedication to the European Union and close U.S.-EU cooperation. The two leaders also discussed economic conditions in Europe and agreed on the need to couple structural reforms with measures to support European growth.

Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/