Introduction

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today had a productive meeting with Matteo Renzi, Prime Minister of the Republic of Italy, during his visit to Rome, Italy. Prime Minister Harper’s visit was part of a broader trip to Europe, during which he met with leaders in Ukraine, Germany, Poland and Vatican City to discuss a range of issues, including continued and concerted action to address threats to global stability and security.

In Rome, the prime ministers discussed bilateral trade and investment, including the tremendous opportunities that the Canada-European Union (EU) Trade Agreement will provide both countries. Prime Minister Harper also promoted Canada as a safe and reliable energy supplier of choice.

The leaders also welcomed progress toward the conclusion within the coming months of two agreements: a modernized Canada-Italy Social Security Agreement and a Framework Agreement on the Reciprocal Recognition of Drivers’ Licenses. The Social Security Agreement will help eligible individuals from Canada and Italy to qualify for the old age, disability, and survivor benefits to which they are entitled. The Framework Agreement on the Reciprocal Recognition of Drivers’ Licenses will allow for the mutual recognition of drivers’ licenses for citizens of both countries. 

The prime ministers also exchanged views on a range of international security matters, including the role both countries were playing in the international coalition fighting the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine, the situation in Libya, and the challenges posed by the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean.

Quick Facts

• Canada's relations with Italy are rooted in shared values and longstanding close cooperation. As a founding member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the EU, and a G-7 and G-20 member, Italy is a key partner for Canada in addressing global issues.
• Italy is the fourth-largest economy in the EU and Canada’s eighth-largest trading partner. Two-way merchandise trade between Canada and Italy reached $10.6 billion in 2014, a 36 per cent increase over the previous year. In 2014, Canadian merchandise exports grew to nearly $4.2 billion and Canadian merchandise imports from Italy rose to about $6.4 billion.
• Prime Minister Stephen Harper's last visit to Italy was in September 2011 when he visited troops at Trapani-BirgiAirport. His previous visit dates back to July 2009 for the G-8 Summit in L'Aquila.

Quotes

“Canada and Italy share a close bilateral relationship based on shared values and strong ties between our citizens. Today’s meeting with Prime Minister Renzi reminded me yet again of the warm and expansive relationship our countries enjoy, a friendship underpinned by the large and vibrant Italian-Canadian community.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper

“Italy is an important friend and valued ally working with Canada and other like-minded countries to combat ISIS and press Russia to exit Ukraine. I was pleased to have the opportunity today to thank Prime Minister Renzi for Italy’s unfailing support of the Canada-EU Trade Agreement.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper