French President Emmanuel Macron traveled to Italy on Thursday, where he plans to address bilateral relations between the two countries, before heading to the Vatican on Friday to meet with Pope Francis.
"This trip aims to address the strong bilateral relationship between France and Italy with a view to signing the Quirinal Treaty, which promotes the convergence of French and Italian positions and the coordination of the two countries on European policy.", has indicated the Elysee in a statement.
The French Presidency has also indicated that the parties will address foreign, security and defense policy, as well as migration, economic, educational and cultural policy, among other issues, of both countries. Macron will also hold a meeting with his Italian counterpart, Sergio Mattarella, and Prime Minister Mario Draghi, with whom he will give a joint press conference.
"This trip will also make it possible to analyze current issues at European level, as well as to prepare for the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2022", pick up the text.
The Elysee has confirmed that this Friday Macron has scheduled a meeting with Pope Francis in which they will be able to discuss relations between France and the Vatican in the international framework, especially in the fight "against obscurantism" and the "solidarity in the face of the climate and epidemic challenge".
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