Minister of Foreign Affairs speaks with Italian counterpart

March 17, 2021 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today spoke with Luigi Di Maio, Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The two ministers discussed the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, including the need to ensure access to vaccines and an inclusive and green post-pandemic recovery.

Ministers Garneau and Di Maio also discussed Italy’s current G20 presidency and leadership on the UN’s 2021 Climate Change Conference as key opportunities to advance shared priorities, such as addressing climate change, reducing global inequalities, the fundamental importance of protecting human rights across the world, and rebuilding more resilient economies following the pandemic.

Minister Garneau offered his condolences on behalf of Canada following the recent deadly attack in the Democratic Republic of Congo that took the lives of Luca Attanasio, Italy’s ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Italian military police officer Vittorio Iacovacci.

The ministers concluded by reiterating their shared commitment to building on strong transatlantic and bilateral relations as well as bolstering cooperation between both countries.