"The close transatlantic collaboration allows us today and will allow us to face new challenges and to defeat the enemies of peace and human rights". This was stated by President Sergio Mattarella at the end of the meeting with US President Barack Obama in the Oval Office of the White House. Mattarella had arrived at the White House, accompanied by the Foreign Minister, Paolo Gentiloni.
"The migrant crisis is a global emergency - Obama said - it is not just a European problem that puts pressure on the United States and the transatlantic relationship". According to Obama, "collaboration between the EU, the US and NATO is needed to tackle the humanitarian crisis and to dismantle human trafficking". For Obama, the refugee and migrant crisis has a "terrible impact on Europe and Italy in particular". The Obama administration is considering using US assets in the context of NATO to address the refugee crisis. The idea, albeit still in its infancy, is for Washington to propose to NATO to help not only in "security patrols" but also in "humanitarian patrols", by sending ships and planes.
"I want to thank Italy very much for the contribution in training the police forces and for the progress made in Iraq". The American president also discussed with the Italian head of state the role that Italy can play in the fight against IS in Syria and Iraq, in particular "the fundamental role" that our country will play in strengthening the Mosul area, in the north of Iraq. Obama also thanked Italy for "the notable contribution in providing training to Iraqi troops and for the progress made in the country". The ties between the United States and Italy "couldn't be closer".
The Italian president Mattarella reciprocates: "Thanks to the USA, we have a solid friendship that has lasted for 70 years".
