Relations between Italy and the United States remain excellent and ''can only improve'' during the presidency of Barack Obama, Rome's ambassador to Washington, Gianni Castellaneta, said on the day of Obama's inauguration.
Speaking Tuesday on Italian TV, the ambassador said this was ''an historic day'' and that ''with great enthusiasm and readiness we intend to work together with the new American administration, which includes a large number of Italian Americans''.
Castellaneta, who will represent Italy at the inauguration ceremony, said that under the new administration there will be a ''new approach'' in America's foreign policy towards the Mideast, Afghanistan, Iraq and the proliferation of nuclear weapons ''which will be carried out together with Europe, America's ideal partner''.
The new US president, he added, will also ''pay more attention to Cuba and Africa'' as well as global issues ''like energy and the environment''.
Looking ahead to the inauguration, Castellaneta said ''I am without a doubt honored to represent the president, the government and the people of Italy at this historic event''.
The ambassador will be on hand when Obama meets with the diplomatic corps accredited to Washington and will attend one of the inauguration balls scheduled for Tuesday night.
