Today we commemorate over 160 years since the unification of Italy as a single state and the establishment of United States-Italy diplomatic relations.  Our nations share a deep and enduring friendship, bolstered by the bonds of family and culture that tie our peoples together.  It is a particularly meaningful relationship for the millions of proud Americans who trace their ancestry to Italy, including my wife Jill. 

On this anniversary, we celebrate the long-standing partnership we have with Italy, including our commitment in the post-World War II era to enhance our mutual prosperity and security and to advance our core democratic values, including human rights.