Statement by the Press Secretary on the Visit of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi of Italy

President Obama will host Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi at the White House on Friday, April 17.  Italy is a valued NATO ally and partner on a broad range of global challenges.  During their meeting, the President and Prime Minister Renzi will discuss support for Ukraine and continued U.S.-EU unity on pressuring Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine to adhere to the Minsk agreements; the situation in Libya; and the need for the international community to continue efforts to counter ISIL and other extremists throughout the Middle East.  They will also exchange views on economic developments in Europe, support for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, climate change and energy security, and other issues of mutual interest.