By Caribbean News Global
OTTAWA, Canada – Prime minister Justin Trudeau congratulated Mario Draghi on becoming the prime minister of Italy. Draghi is an economist credited for saving the Euro when he served as the head of the European Central Bank. His new task will be to guide Italy through the coronavirus and a crumbling economy.
“Canada and Italy enjoy a close relationship, based on common priorities and strong people-to-people ties. We are partners on the world stage, including through the G7, NATO, and other key international organizations. Together, we will continue to address inequality, fight climate change, empower women and girls, and promote democracy and international security. Through the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, we are also creating opportunities for both our countries and our people.
“I look forward to working with prime minister Draghi to continue strengthening the relationship between Canada and Italy, and to collaborating with Italy as this year’s G20 president and co-host of COP26. We will work to address the health, social, and economic impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic, and to create jobs and build a strong economic recovery in our two countries,” said prime minister Trudeau in a statement.
Draghi took the oath of office Saturday with support from across the political spectrum. His 23 member Cabinet includes a combination of technocrats and politicians who will be tasked with spending approximately $240 billion – a recovery fund provided by the EU to revive an economy projected as the worse, heading towards a recession since World War II.
“Your experience will be an exceptional asset for Italy and Europe as a whole, especially in these difficult times,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on Twitter.
Prime minister Trudeau also took the opportunity to thank former prime minister Giuseppe Conte “for his friendship and contributions to Canada-Italy relations over the years – from collaborating during the G7 Summit in Charlevoix to discussing the international coordination in response to the virus. I wish him well in his future endeavours.”