Mariangela Zappia is the Ambassador of Italy to the United States.
A Message from the Ambassador
It is with pride and emotion that today I assume the office of Ambassador of Italy to the United States, a country that we are joined to by a deep, strong tie of friendship. As close allies, Italy and the United States work side by side to protect peace and security worldwide, to combat the pandemic and tackle climate change, to promote universal rights and gender equality, and to safeguard the values which underlie our own beautiful democracies.
The bonds between our countries are long-standing, and draw daily nourishment from the many relations between our fellow Italians, the many Italian firms in the US, the millions of Americans of Italian origin and their rich cultural heritage. They prosper through the work of men and women in uniform who are held in such high regard, or that of the 15,000 Italian scientists and researchers who collaborate with US institutions to promote the progress of science and medicine.
We fully appreciate the importance of our traditions and our past, and look to the future with optimism, as well as to the many opportunities for exchange and growth in all areas, from science to culture, innovation to technology, space to universities and education. In all these fields, the Embassy, the consular network and the Italian institutions in the United States work daily at your side to further strengthen and enhance this strong bond.
I would like to extend cordial greetings to all fellow Italians, to our elected representatives in the United States, to Americans of Italian descent, and to all those who work daily to nurture this friendship. To President Mattarella go my sincere gratitude and dedication.
I start my mission in the United States with enthusiasm, on the eve of the Fourth of July, a date that marks a “new independence”: one from the virus that so deeply disrupted our lives, and a new challenge that Italy and the United States are once again facing – together. It is path towards renewal and recovery for Italian and American communities, and one which I am pleased – and proud – to embark upon with you.