Today at the White House the new Ambassador of Italy to the United States, Armando Varricchio, presented his credentials to the President of the United States, Barack Obama.
At the end of the Ceremony Ambassador Varricchio remarked: "Today I have presented to President Obama the credentials with which President Mattarella appoints me Ambassador in Washington.

In a very cordial meeting which took place in the Oval Office, I emphasized that I am going to carry out my mandate with great commitment and determination. The strong bond of friendship and shared values between Italy and the United States is essential to enhance the welfare of our citizens and to promote peace, democracy and the defense of rights.

President Obama recalled in the strongest terms the recent friendly meeting with President Mattarella in the White House and the close collaboration with Prime Minister Renzi on the most important issues on the international scene and on the global agenda."

Source: http://www.italyinus.org/