Welcome, dear President.
You are the President of a founding member of our Union and the longest-serving President of the Italian Republic. Today we welcome you not only as a statesman but also as a true European.
You have always worked to place Italy at the heart of Europe. In your first speech as President, ten years ago, you called our Union a safe harbour and a frontier of hope. You emphasized that European countries need our Union to protect and project their sovereignty in the world. Since then, you have urged Europe to be ambitious. Today, in our meeting, we discussed the importance of competitiveness, aligning with the Draghi and Letta reports. You remind us to protect our nature and leave the world better for future generations. Your support for Ukraine has been unwavering. Two weeks ago, you said Nessun dorma. We have heard your call and today we discuss our response.
On a personal note, I recall one of our meetings in your hometown of Palermo. I was struck by the warm welcome you received, especially from young people. Young Italians look up to you as a beacon of wisdom. This is true for all Europeans. It is an honor and a pleasure to have you here today. Thank you for coming, Mr. President.