Speech by Antonio Tajani at the Libertas Forum with Latin American countries

In his speech at the 'Libertas Forum' in Madrid, Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani outlined the Italian Government's commitments to the region: "We are here in Madrid, at this important summit with our Latin American brothers and sisters, to reaffirm the Italian Government's strong stance in favour of democracy, freedom and the rule of law throughout Latin America."

"Let me be clear," added Tajani, "we have absolutely nothing in common with the views of extremist governments such as that of Nicaragua, a country that still harbours dangerous terrorists from the Red Brigades, such as Alessio Casimirri, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in Italy." We want to step up our efforts so that freedom may spread throughout the Latin American continent, which is united with Europe by our shared Christian and democratic values. Latin America is a crucial part of the West. The Italian Government will be committed to this struggle for freedom and democracy, and for an ever-closer relationship between Europe and Latin America."