Saturday, June 27, 2026
The Ambassador of Italy to the United States, H.E. Marco Peronaci, visited the Training Ship of the Italian Navy “Amerigo Vespucci” in the port of Baltimore, Maryland at the end of his visit which began on June 25 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
“Pennsylvania and the States within the jurisdiction of our Consulate General in Philadelphia – Delaware, North Carolina, West Virginia and parts of Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey – represent a key market for our exports to the United States, a testament to the vitality and dynamism characterizing Italy’s relations with this region,” the Ambassador stated. He added: “Being in Philadelphia just a few days before July 4th is not only a way to strengthen ties with local institutions and underscore Italian industrial and cultural presence in this area, but also a tribute to this great Nation’s 250th anniversary, in the very city where the Declaration of Independence was signed.”
In Philadelphia, accompanied by the Consul General of Italy Nico Frandi, the Ambassador met with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, participating in a meeting dedicated to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He then attended the “Philadelphia Testimonial Dinner” organized by NIAF, thanking the Italian-American community for the invaluable role it plays in fostering relations between Italy and the United States. Philadelphia, which was home to one of the largest Italian communities in the U.S. until the early 20th century, has historically seen Italian-Americans play a significant role in the local economic and social development.
On Friday, Peronaci met with the Mayor of Philadelphia Cherelle Parker and visited the local manufacturing plant of the Italian company Leonardo, which servs as the group’s headquarters and major production, training, and technology hub. It also stands as a testament to the group’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the defense sector. The Ambassador visited also the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which is set to host a major Caravaggio exhibition in 2028, and met with the Consulate General’s staff, the Italian community, members of COMITES, and key local institutional and local business community representatives.
The mission concluded in Baltimore, where the Ambassador, along with selected American guests, visited the Amerigo Vespucci. The Italian tall ship was docked in the city’s harbor as part of her North America Tour marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. The Amerigo Vespucci is currently in the United States to celebrate the century-long bond between our Nations and the deep friendship uniting our peoples, as well as to honor the contributions of the 20 million Italian-Americans who have helped make the United States great.
