As part of the Italy-France Intergovernmental Summit, Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani today signed, together with the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, Jean-Noël Barrot, two declarations aimed at further strengthening bilateral cooperation.

The first Declaration of Intent strengthens cooperation between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs, promoting new initiatives for coordination, training, and exchange of expertise in key areas of mutual interest. The document also provides for closer cooperation in the fields of innovation, digital technologies and cyber security, promoting the exchange of experiences and best practice between the two Administrations.

The second Declaration, dedicated to the Seas and the Ocean, reinforces the maritime dimension of the Quirinal Treaty and highlights the shared Mediterranean identity of Italy and France. The text promotes closer cooperation in the fields of the blue economy, marine, oceanic and polar scientific research, innovation and digitalisation, with a particular focus on the competitiveness of European maritime supply chains, the development of strategic interconnections - starting with the IMEC corridor - and the protection of the marine environment. The Declaration also recognises the value of scientific research and research infrastructures as strategic tools for strengthening cooperation between Italy and France. This context also encompasses major European research infrastructures, including the Einstein Telescope project, which is a strategic priority for Italy.