Ambasciata d'Italia a Washington

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1861, the relationship between Italy and the United States has been based on deep-rooted connections, reflecting various historical, social, cultural, and economic factors. In 2021, we celebrated its 160th anniversary. A substantial and qualified community of Italian origin, estimated at over 17 million Americans, has significantly contributed to the development of the extraordinary bond between the two countries. The relationship between Italy and the United States, starting with the solid alliance built over the years around the pillars of the United Nations, NATO, and Euro-Atlanticism, is cemented by the shared values and fundamental principles of freedom, peace, democracy, justice, security, stability, and solidarity.

There are many crisis areas in which Italy and the United States stand side by side to protect the security of our citizens and promote peace and stability. Italy plays a decisive role in this commitment, both in terms of human and financial resources.

With the joint statement adopted in Washington on July 27, 2023, the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, and the President of the United States, Joe Biden, reaffirmed the strength of the alliance between Italy and the United States, the strategic partnership, and the deep friendship between the two countries, outlining areas of common, top-priority engagement.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella made an official visit to Washington and Silicon Valley in October 2019.

U.S. President Biden visited Italy in October 2021.

Italy and the United States collaborate closely on the multilateral front, addressing major global challenges together, such as climate change, migration, international taxation, critical mineral supplies, food security, development cooperation, women’s empowerment, culture, and the fight against corruption.

Multilateral fora, such as the G20 in 2021 and the G7 in 2024, chaired by Italy, provide an opportunity to reaffirm a common vision based on shared values.

Italy also plays a central role in relations between the European Union and the United States, which have been given a significant boost with the creation of the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (inaugurated in 2021 and having already held four meetings) and the launch of new dialogue formats on the economy, foreign policy, and security.

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“Frecce Tricolori”, the Acrobatic Team of the Italian Air Force, fly over the City of Rome

Military and defense cooperation

Italy and the United States boast a robust cooperation in the defense sector. Cooperation initiatives are overseen by the Office of the Defense and Defense Cooperation Attaché, which operates within the Embassy in close coordination with other offices of the diplomatic mission.

The Office is headed by a General Officer who represents the Italian Ministry of Defense in the United States (with secondary accreditation in Canada and Mexico) and is under the authority of the Chief of the Defense Staff (for operational matters) and the Secretary General of Defense and National Armaments Director (for industrial and administrative matters). The purpose of its mission is:

To support, convey, and explain Italian defense policy to the U.S. Department of Defense, highlighting the capabilities, activities, and equipment available to the Italian Armed Forces.
To provide the Italian Ministry of Defense with information on politically and militarily relevant issues related to the United States, as well as defense-related topics such as the development of the U.S. Armed Forces, equipment, and the deployment of contingents abroad.
To promote bilateral relations and initiatives with the U.S. Department of Defense.
To advise the Ambassador of Italy in Washington on defense-related matters.
To strengthen ties and enhance mutual understanding in the specific sector by organizing visits of Italian Defense authorities to the United States.
To assist and oversee Italian military personnel stationed at military facilities within the United States.

Additionally, as a representative of the Secretary General of Defense/National Armaments Director, the Office of the Defense and Defense Cooperation Attaché is tasked with:

Promoting cooperation between Italy and the United States in the field of research and development of technological programs, with particular attention to the need for the developed equipment to be fully interoperable.
Assisting Italian defense industries in their cooperation initiatives with U.S. counterparts and participating in bilateral or multilateral discussions on export control.
Supporting the procurement process for the benefit of the Italian Armed Forces, with the aim of acquiring the necessary equipment either from the U.S. government (through Foreign Military Sales) or directly from U.S. companies (through Direct Commercial Sales).

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