Friendship between Italy and the United States is founded on freedom and democracy, Premier Giorgia Meloni said Wednesday.

“Italy and the United States share a historic friendship founded on the values of freedom and democracy” said Meloni in a video message for the launch of La Stampa USA, a new initiative by the Turin-based liberal newspaper La Stampa.

“The transatlantic bond is the pillar of our security and prosperity; strengthening it means ensuring that Europe and America can face shared challenges together, with unity and a clear sense of responsibility,” the Prime Minister added, noting that “the Italian-American community—which today numbers around 28 million people—gives this bond a human face.

“Generations of Italians have helped build America, bringing with them talent, courage, and a deep attachment to their roots.

“Their achievements are a source of pride for both our nations,” the Prime Minister added.

In this context, La Stampa’s initiative “can help renew this bond by telling the stories of our people and communities, introducing Italian enterprises to new audiences, and promoting ‘roots tourism’—thereby encouraging younger generations to discover their families’ places of origin,” Meloni concluded.