Italy–United States relations

Italy-United States relations are bilateral relations between Italy and the United States. The United States has had diplomatic representation in the nation of Italy and its predecessor nation, the Kingdom of Sardinia, since 1840, with a break in relations from 1941 to 1944, while Italy and the United States were at war.

History

The United States currently enjoys warm and friendly relations with Italy. Italy is a leading partner in the war against terrorism. The two are NATO allies and cooperate in the United Nations, in various regional organizations, and bilaterally for peace, prosperity, and security. Italy has worked closely with the United States and others on such issues as NATO and UN operations as well as with assistance to Russia and the New Independent States; Lebanon; the Middle East peace process; multilateral talks; Somalia and Mozambique peacekeeping; and combating drug trafficking, trafficking in women and children, and terrorism.

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 has about 13,000 military personnel stationed in Italy. Italy hosts the NATO Defense College in Rome.

Italy remains a strong and active transatlantic partner which, along with the United States, has sought to foster democratic ideals and international cooperation in areas of strife and civil conflict. Toward this end, the Italian Government has cooperated with the United States in the formulation of defense, security, and peacekeeping policies.

Principal U.S. Officials include:
* Ambassador--Ronald P. Spogli
* Deputy Chief of Mission--Anna Borg
* Economic Affairs--Tom Delare
* Political Affairs--David Pearce (acting, Jonathan Cohen)
* Consular Affairs--Barbara Cummings
* Public Affairs--Anne T. Callaghan
* Commercial Affairs--Thomas Moore
* Regional Security Affairs--Nace Crawford
* Agricultural Section--Geoffrey Wiggin
* Defense Attache--CAPT Michael James

Consular Posts:
* Consul General, Florence--Nora Dempsey
* Consul General, Milan--Daniel Weygandt
* Consul General, Naples--Patrick Truhn

There is a U.S. Embassy in Rome, Italy.

See also

* Foreign relations of the United States
* Foreign relations of Italy
* United States Ambassador to Italy
* Italian American

References

StateDept [http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/4033.htm#relations]