The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, meets, today at the Quirinale, the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron, as part of his visit to Rome for the signing of the «Treaty for enhanced bilateral cooperation». In the afternoon, a meeting is scheduled between the two Heads of State and in the evening a lunch. The signing of the treaty by President Macron and Prime Minister Mario Draghi is scheduled for Friday morning at the Quirinale, in the presence of President Mattarella and the Italian and French delegations.
The eleven chapters of the Treaty concern Foreign Affairs, Defense, Europe, Migration, Justice, Economic Development, Sustainability and ecological transition, Space, Education, training and culture, Youth, Cross-border cooperation and public administration. In foreign countries, the Mediterranean, the Balkans and Africa are identified as the three priorities, and structural cooperation is launched between the two diplomats. With regard to Defense, the collaboration of the military industry is deepened, from defense systems to intelligence. On migrants, a common battle to overcome the Dublin regulation on asylum applications. On young people, facilitated recognition of educational qualifications and an exchange program, a kind of bilateral Erasmus between Italy and France.
The Quirinal Treaty will not be just a declaration of intent: the thirty-page document is composed of a premise on common values and objectives between Italy and France, and then of eleven thematic chapters. It will be accompanied by a work program of another 30 pages, which identifies more concretely how the two governments will pursue the objectives set.
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