When the president of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, visited the United States in February 2016, he decided to stop in Texas as a testament to the outstanding contribution that the Lone Star State has made and continues to make to the economic, scientific and technological success of the union. During his visit, the president underscored the key role Texas plays in advancing the boundaries of knowledge and development to the benefit of humankind.

My visit to Austin and Houston to meet local authorities and institutions is a follow-up to that significant event and is aimed at reinforcing and renewing the robust ties between Texas and Italy — bonds that are constantly strengthened by vibrant and energetic Italian and Italian-American communities and represent a strong bridge between the two sides of the Atlantic.