Readout of the President’s Call with President Giorgio Napolitano of Italy

 The President called Italian President Giorgio Napolitano today to thank him for his distinguished leadership and his enduring commitment to the U.S.-Italy relationship during his historic tenure as Italy’s President.  He underscored the major contributions President Napolitano has made to Italy’s political and economic well-being, benefiting not only his nation, but also Europe and the broader transatlantic community.  The President praised Napolitano’s long and steadfast dedication to the European Union and close U.S.-EU cooperation.  The two leaders also discussed economic conditions in Europe and agreed on the need to couple structural reforms with measures to support European growth.