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Foreign relations of Italy

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Italian Republic

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This article describes the foreign relations of Italy.

Contents

[edit] International organization participation

AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CDB (non-regional), CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ECLAC, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, G8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS IHO, ILO, IMF, International Maritime Organization, Inmarsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer), MINURSO, MONUC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOGIP, UNSC, UNTSO, UPU WCO, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, Zangger Committee

[edit] Foreign relations

Italy was one of the Founding members of the European Community — now the European Union (EU). The country was admitted to the United Nations in 1955 and is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade/World Trade Organization (GATT/WTO), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the Council of Europe. It chaired the CSCE (the forerunner of the OSCE) in 1994, the EU in 1996, and the G8 in 2001, and held the EU presidency from July to December 2003.

Italy participated in and deployed troops in support of UN peacekeeping missions in Somalia, Mozambique, and East Timor and provides critical support for NATO and UN operations in Bosnia, Kosovo and Albania. 1,000 Alpini troops were deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in February 2003. Italy also supported international efforts to reconstruct and stabilize Iraq through its military contingent of some 3,200 troops, as well as humanitarian workers and other officials. The troops remained in Iraq until December 2006 when they were retrieved by the Prodi-government.[citation needed]

In August 2006 Italy sent about 3,000 soldiers to Lebanon for the ONU peacekeeping mission UNIFIL.[1] Furthermore, since 2 February 2007 an Italian, Claudio Graziano is the commander of the UN force in the country.

The Italian government seeks to obtain consensus with other European countries on various defense and security issues within the EU as well as NATO.[citation needed] European integration and the development of common defense and security policies will continue to be of primary interest to Italy.[citation needed]

In February 2007, Italy, Britain, Canada, Norway and Russia announced their funding commitments to launch a $1.5 billion project to help develop vaccines they said could save millions of lives in poor nations, and called on others to join them.[1]

[edit] Relations with Israel

[edit] Political Cooperation

The relations between Italy and Israel, traditionally intense[citation needed], have registered during recent years a progressive reinforcement in all sectors, and the political dialogue has developed in the most extensive meaning of the word.[citation needed] Italian politicians and businessmen frequently visit Israel.[citation needed]

The Israeli Government has followed the fight against international terrorism pursued by the Italian Government (also in the European arena: the decision of Riva del Garda to add Hamas in the European list of organizations considered as terrorist).[when?]

It has also been appreciated what the Italian Presidency has done in the framework of the United Nations on the Middle Eastern issues.[citation needed]

Finally, Israel welcomed the coherent and firm line of conduct, on the part of all Italian institutions, in contrasting the emergence of anti-Semitism in every possible form.[citation needed]

[edit] Cultural Cooperation

 This article relies largely or entirely upon a single source. Please help improve this article by introducing appropriate citations of additional sources. (February 2008)

Italian culture is well-admired in Italy. Israelis know Italy well, and visit Italy frequently for various reasons. A special connection between Italian culture and the Israeli society has been constituted through the lively activity of the community of Italian Jews who immigrated to Israel, in particular the community in Jerusalem, consisting of about 5000 people. The promotion of the Italian culture has therefore become pivotal also in the context of valorizing the antique and rich Jewish-Italian heritage, as well as deepening the collaboration with the associations that represent the Jews of Italian origin in Israel.

The Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute in Tel Aviv have recently stimulated the creation of an Association called "Amitei Italia" (Friends of Italy),consisting of over 15,000 individuals This initiative stands side by side with the establishing, during last fall, of the "Club degli amici dell'Istituto Italiano di Cultura", that is, the "Club of the friends of the Italian Cultural Institute".[citation needed]

The Italian language is being taught in various centers around the country. The total number of students studying in centers under the direct control of the Italian Cultural Institute on 2004 reached 1500, in 150 courses with 30 teachers, reaching 2500 if the Dante Aghileri school figures are considered. Recently, the possibility of introducing the teaching of the Italian language in various high schools and academic institutes has been successfully negotiated.

The average of registrations of young Israeli students to Italian universities stands on about 400 per year, mainly in the sectors of medicine, law, science, politics, architecture, and art. The registrations for courses for the academic year 2004-2005 have seen a major increase of about 10%.[2]

[edit] Relations with the Pacific

On January 21, 2008, the Solomon Times reported that Italy had "pledged to convene an Italian-Pacific Islands Forum towards the end of 2008". The newspaper reported that Italy wished to "deepen [its] bilateral relations with Pacific Island countries". Italy has applied to be a dialogue partner of the Pacific Islands Forum, and attended a Forum meeting in Tonga in October 2007. A Memorandum of Understanding between Italy and the Pacific Islands countries exists as a commitment to provide development aid. [3] However, the fall of the Prodi government a few days after the publication of this article has left the future of Italy-Pacific Islands relations potentially uncertain.[citation needed]

[edit] International disputes

Investigations continue about the killing of SISMI service officer Nicola Calipari by United States troops during the liberation of Giuliana Sgrena and about the abduction and torture of terrorism suspect Abu Omar by CIA agents.[citation needed]

Still large popular resentment about alleged U.S. and French involvement in the crash of Itavia Flight 870 and subsequent cover-up over Ustica in 1980, as for the NATO-sponsored strategy of tension in the 70s-80s and the Cavalese cable-car disaster in the 90s.[citation needed]

Italy – wishing for a seat for the whole European Union – opposes the request of G4 nations (Brazil, Germany, India and Japan) for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, accusing them of buying votes of poorer countries using aid money.[citation needed]

[edit] Illegal immigration

Italian and Albanian authorities managed to basically stop the flow of illegal immigrants and human trafficking from the Albanian coast to Italy, that have acquired great significance toward the end of the last century.[citation needed]

From the beginning of the current century the most important flow of immigrants come from the coasts and the illegal organizations of Libya.[citation needed] Although an Italian-Libyan agreement exists it is substantially ineffective, probably the failure of this collaboration is favoured by the not very good relationship between the two governments.[citation needed] However, as for almost all continental European countries, the numerically biggest flow come from terrestrial borders.[citation needed]

[edit] Illicit drugs

United States authorities allege Italy is an important gateway for and consumer of Latin American cocaine and Southwest Asian heroin entering the European market.[citation needed]

[edit] Relations by region and country

[edit] Europe

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Austria See Austria–Italy relations
 Belarus See Belarus–Italy relations
 Belgium See Belgium–Italy relations
 Bulgaria See Bulgaria–Italy relations
 Croatia See Croatia–Italy relations

Croatia and Italy made progress toward resolving a bilateral issue dating from World War II over property and ethnic minority rights.[when?]

Italy is in dispute with Croatia over the Croatian contiguous zone in the Adriatic Sea. Croatia invoked her contiguous zone in 2003, but soon came under pressure from Italy, because that would break an earlier agreement with Italy and Slovenia [4]. Today, the Croatian contiguous zone doesn't apply to EU countries, but that has automatically changed on 1 January 2008.[citation needed] According to Croatian officials, Italy has threatened Croatia to block its acceptance to EU.[citation needed] In the meantime, Italy invoked her own contiguous zone in Adriatic, without breaking the agreement on fishing zones.[citation needed]

On 10 December 2007, Italy published a stamp bearing the inscription "Fiume - terra orientale già italiana"[1] (meaning "Rijeka (city in Croatia) - eastern land once part of Italy"). This move caused strong protest from Croatia. Italy, where tens of thousands of Italian-speaking exiles from Histria, the Kvarner and Dalmatia live with their descendants, firmly refuses to revoke the stamp.
 Cyprus See Cyprus–Italy relations
 Czech Republic See Czech Republic – Italy relations
 Denmark See Denmark–Italy relations
 Estonia See Estonia–Italy relations
 Finland See Finland–Italy relations
 Georgia See Georgia–Italy relations
 Germany See Germany–Italy relations
 Greece See Greece–Italy relations
 Holy See See Holy See – Italy relations
 Hungary See Hungary–Italy relations
 Iceland See Iceland–Italy relations
 Ireland See Ireland–Italy relations
 Kosovo See Italian–Kosovan relations


Italy recognized Kosovo on 21 February 2008.[5][6] Italy has an embassy in Pristina since 15 May 2008.[7] Kosovo will open an embassy in Rome.
 Latvia 1991-08-30
 Lithuania
 Luxembourg 1902
 Malta See Italy–Malta relations
 Moldova
 Monaco See Italy-Monaco relations
 Montenegro 2006-06-14
 Netherlands
 Poland 1919
 Romania 1873-04-23
 Russia See Italy–Russia relations

Russia has an embassy in Rome and consulates in Genoa, Milan and Palermo, and Italy has an embassy in Moscow, a consulate in Saint Petersburg, two consulte generals (in Ekaterinburg and Kaliningrad), and two embassy branches in (Samara and Volgograd). Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

Russia enjoys close relations with Italy. In 2006, Russia and Italy have signed a protocol of cooperation for fighting crime and defending civil liberties. There are close commercial ties between the two countries. Italy is Russia's second important commercial partner in the EU, after Germany. and its state-owned energy company, ENI, has recently signed a very important long-term contract with Gazprom, to import Russian gas into Italy. The relationship between Russia and Italy goes back a long way. Already in the 1960s, Italy's FIAT built a car-assembling plant in the Soviet city of Tolyatti (a city named after the Italian Communist Party's secretary Palmiro Togliatti). Russians have always visited Italy in great numbers. Many Russian students come to Italy each year to study arts and music.[citation needed] Unlike many other Western European countries, Italy has traditionally always maintained good relationships with Russia, even during the Soviet era.[citation needed] In particular, the Berlusconi Government (2001-2006) strengthened Italy's ties with Russia, due to his personal friendship with President Putin. Cooperation extends also to the aviation sector, between Italy's Alenia and Russia's Sukhov, who are jointly developing a new aircraft. Finally, for a long time Italy had the largest communist party in the Western world, with over 2 million members. [24].
 Serbia 1879
 Spain See Italy–Spain relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations after the unification of Italy. Relations between Italy Spain have remained strong and affable for centuries owing to various political, cultural, and historical connections between the two nations.
 Switzerland See Italy–Switzerland relations
 Ukraine 1992
 United Kingdom See Italy – United Kingdom relations

Although enemies during World War II, the United Kingdom and Italy have generally enjoyed a warm and friendly relationship throughout history. Both states share membership of the European Union, NATO, OSCE and the G8[28]

Between 4 and 5 million British tourists visit Italy every year, while 1 million Italian tourists visit the UK.[29] There are about 19,000 British nationals living in Italy, and 150,000 Italians living in the UK.[30]
 Yugoslavia See Italy–Yugoslavia relations

The Kingdoms of Italy and Yugoslavia have had increasingly turbulent relations during the 20th century.

[edit] Americas

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Argentina See Argentine-Italian relations
 Canada See Canada–Italy relations
 Chile See Chile–Italy relations
 Colombia See Colombia–Italy relations
 Mexico 1946
  • Relations were established in 1846 after the unification of Italy. However relations were cut off and suspended during World War II. However in 1946 they were re-established.
  • Mexico has an embassy in Rome and a consulate-general in Milan
  • Italy has an embassy in Mexico City.
  • Both countries are members of the Latin Union and the G8+5.
  • There are estimated 300,000 Mexicans of Italian descent living in Mexico today.
  • During the 2009 Italian earthquake, Mexico,[31] offered assistance to Italy.
 Paraguay 1867
 Peru 1874-12-23
 United States See Italy–United States relations

The United States enjoy a peculiar relation with Italy, as the latter, defeated in WWII, has been a secret battlefield of the Cold War. Italy and the US are NATO allies and cooperate in the United Nations, in various regional organizations, and bilaterally. Italy has worked closely with the United States and with other nations on such issues as NATO and UN operations as well as with assistance to Russia and the New Independent States; the Middle East peace process; multilateral talks; Somalia and Mozambique peacekeeping; and combating drug trafficking, trafficking in women and children, and terrorism.[who?]

Under longstanding bilateral agreements flowing from NATO membership, Italy hosts important U.S. military forces at Vicenza and Livorno (army); Aviano (air force); and Sigonella, Gaeta, and Naples- home port for the U.S. Navy Sixth Fleet. The United States still has about 16,000 military personnel stationed in Italy. The NATO War College is situated at Cecchignola, near Rome.

Also, investigations continue about the killing of Italian Military Intelligence service officer Nicola Calipari by United States troops during the liberation of Giuliana Sgrena and about the abduction and torture of terrorism suspect Abu Omar by CIA agents.[citation needed]
 Uruguay 1861

[edit] Middle East and Africa

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Egypt See Egypt–Italy relations

Relations between both countries were established during the period of the Roman Empire. However in World War II, relations were strained as Italy invaded Egypt. However after the war, relations were re-established and are close. Egypt has representations in Rome and Milan, while Italy has representations in Cairo and Alexandria, also the two nations are members of the Union for the Mediterranean.
 Iran See Iran–Italy relations
 Iraq See Iraq–Italy relations
 Israel See Israel–Italy relations
 Lebanon See Italy–Lebanon relations
 Libya 1947
 South Africa 1929
 Tunisia 1957
 Turkey 1856

[edit] Rest of world

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Armenia See Armenia–Italy relations
 Australia See Australia–Italy relations
 Azerbaijan See Azerbaijan–Italy relations
 India See India–Italy relations
 Japan 1913
 New Zealand
 Pakistan
  • Pakistan has an embassy in Rome and a Consulate-General in Milan for representation
  • Italy maintains an embassy in Islamabad and a Consulate-General in Karachi.
  • Both countries formally have friendly foreign relations.
 People's Republic of China See People's Republic of China – Italy relations

In 2005, Italy and the People's Republic of China have celebrated the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. However, China's massive exports of textile and footwear into Italy are said to be a rising concern to Italy's economy and productivity[53].
 South Korea 1884-06-26 See Italy – South Korea relations
 Thailand 1870
 Vietnam 1973-03-23

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b "Italian soldiers leave for Lebanon Il Corriere della Sera, 30 August 2006
  2. ^ Embassy of Italy in Tel Aviv
  3. ^ "Italy to Convene Italian-Pacific Islands Forum", Joanna Sireheti, Solomon Times, January 21, 2008
  4. ^ Croatia's Mesic suggests modification of proposed fishing zone likely (SETimes.com)
  5. ^ ""Consiglio dei Ministri n. 93 del 21 febbraio 2008"" (in Italian). Italian Council of Ministers. 2008-02-21. http://www.governo.it/Governo/ConsiglioMinistri/dettaglio.asp?d=38401. Retrieved on 2008-03-18. 
  6. ^ ""Kosovo, Italia riconosce indipendenza"" (in Italian). La Stampa. 2008-02-21. http://www.lastampa.it/redazione/cmsSezioni/politica/200802articoli/30334girata.asp. Retrieved on 2008-03-18. 
  7. ^ "Italy appoints Ambassador to Kosovo" newkosovareport.com 16 May 2008 Link accessed 15/05/08
  8. ^ Italian embassy in Riga
  9. ^ Latvian embassy in Rome
  10. ^ Italian embassy in Vilnius
  11. ^ Lithuanian embassy in Rome
  12. ^ Italian embassy in Luxembourg City (in French and Italian only)
  13. ^ Luxembourg embassy in Rome (in Italian only)
  14. ^ Dutch representations in Italy
  15. ^ Dutch embassy in Rome (in Dutch and Italian only)
  16. ^ Dutch general consulate in Milan(in Dutch and Italian only)
  17. ^ Italian embassy in The Hague (in Dutch and Italian only)
  18. ^ Italian general consulate in Amsterdam (in Dutch and Italian only)
  19. ^ Italian embassy in Warsaw
  20. ^ Poland embassy in Rome
  21. ^ Italian embassy in Bucharest
  22. ^ Romanian embassy in Rome (in Italian and Romanian only)
  23. ^
  24. ^ Italy, Russia sign 'protocol of cooperation' - Pravda.Ru
  25. ^ Italian embassy in Belgrade (in Italian and Serbian only)
  26. ^ Italian embassy in Kiev (in Italian and Ukrainian only)
  27. ^ Ukrainian embassy in Rome (in Italian and Ukrainian only)
  28. ^ Embassy of Italy in London: Political Cooperation
  29. ^ Italy Country Profile, Foreign and Commonwealth Office
  30. ^ Bilateral Relations British Embassy, Italy
  31. ^ "Viajan Topos Mexicanos a Italia" (in Spanish). El Universal (Mexico City). 2009-04-08. http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/589648.html. Retrieved on 2009-04-16. 
  32. ^ Italian embassy in Asuncion
  33. ^ Paraguay embassy in Rome (in Spanish only)
  34. ^ Italian embassy in Lima (in Italian and Spanish only)
  35. ^ Peruvian embassy in Rome (in Italian and Spanish only)
  36. ^ Peruvian general consulate in Milan (in Italian and Spanish only)
  37. ^ Peruvian general consulate in Milan (in Italian and Spanish only)
  38. ^ Italian embassy in Montevideo (in Italian and Spanish only)
  39. ^ (Italian) Lebanese Embassy in Italy
  40. ^ Italian embassy in Tripoli
  41. ^ Italian embassy in Pretoria
  42. ^ Italian consulate in Cape Town
  43. ^ South African embassy in Rome
  44. ^ Italian embassy in Tunis (in French and Italian only)
  45. ^ Italian embassy in Ankara
  46. ^ Turkish embassy in Rome
  47. ^ Italian embassy in Tokyo (in Italian and Japanese only)
  48. ^ Italian general consulate in Osaka
  49. ^ Japanese embassy in Rome (in Italian and Japanese only)
  50. ^ Japanese general consulate in Milan (in Italian and Japanese only)
  51. ^ Italian embassy in Wellington
  52. ^ New Zealand embassy in Rome
  53. ^ People's Daily Online - China-Italy relations experiencing "powerful acceleration": Fini
  54. ^ Italian embassy in Bangkok
  55. ^ Thai embassy in Rome
  56. ^ Italian embassy in Hanoi

[edit] See also

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Flag of Italy Foreign relations of Italy
Africa Coat of arms of Turkey
Americas
Asia
Middle East
Iran · Iraq · Israel · Lebanon
Elsewhere
Europe
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