The United States and Italy sign a memorandum of understanding on critical minerals

Washington, Sept 21 (KUNA) – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani signed a memorandum of understanding on critical minerals today, Monday. The signing took place following a meeting between Rubio and Tajani on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly held in New York City.

During the signing ceremony, the U.S. Secretary of State affirmed that the United States and Italy “work very closely together,” emphasizing that “Italy has always been a great partner.” Rubio praised the signing of the memorandum “on a vital subject that we all know is of ongoing interest,” expressing his hope “to continue working” with Italy in this regard.

For his part, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that the signing of the memorandum “is of paramount importance for Italy and a cornerstone of our industrial strategy and policy.” He explained that this is because his country is “the second most important industrial nation in Europe and ranks fourth globally in trade,” adding that Italy seeks “to compete internationally and it is important to obtain these raw materials at reduced prices.” He stressed that the signing of the memorandum “is a significant and very important step forward in cooperation with the United States.”

Regarding the meeting that preceded the signing, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement that Rubio and Tajani “discussed opportunities to enhance bilateral economic cooperation, including efforts to diversify supply chains and protect strategic industries from acquisitions by hostile actors.” According to the statement, Pigott noted that the memorandum of understanding “includes the launch of a joint working group to enhance practical cooperation in the fields of recycling and recovery of critical minerals.” (End) R.S.R / F.A.S