Italian president Sergio Mattarella visited Germany on a three-day state visit and hailed the strong relationship between Rome and Berlin during a speech at the Bellevue Palace. He emphasized the need for a stronger and more united EU to tackle international challenges, highlighting Germany as a crucial partner in various aspects of co-existence and relations. Mattarella, along with Germany’s president Frank-Walter Steinmeier, warned against the dangers of political populism and stressed that peace in Ukraine should not come at the cost of submission, but rather uphold the principles of international law.
Mattarella’s visit included discussions with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin, focusing on various European issues. The itinerary for the visit also included trips to Cologne and Bonn, where both presidents visited the United Nations Climate Change Secretariat and attended a conference on cooperation between Germany and Italy in combating climate change. The visit culminated in a journey to Italy to mark the 80th anniversary of the Marzabotto massacre, the deadliest mass shooting in Italy’s history. Waffen SS troops killed at least 770 Italian civilians in the village of Marzabotto in 1944, leaving deep wounds in Italy’s history.
The Marzabotto massacre served as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed by the SS and Wehrmacht during World War II in Italy. Mattarella expressed deep humility as he prepared to attend the commemoration of the victims of this tragic event alongside Steinmeier. The visit aimed to commemorate the victims and honor their memory, reflecting on the atrocities that occurred during the war. Both presidents emphasized the importance of acknowledging and remembering the crimes committed in Italy during that period, highlighting the significance of paying tribute to the victims and their families.
Mattarella’s speech in Germany underscored the significance of the friendship between Italy and Germany, emphasizing the need to strengthen and preserve this bond. He recognized Germany as an essential partner for Italy in various international alliances and cooperation efforts. The discussions during the visit touched on the importance of a united EU in facing global challenges and the shared commitment to upholding international law and values. The visit aimed to deepen the relationship between the two countries and foster collaboration on pressing issues such as climate change and international peace efforts.
During the trip, Mattarella and Steinmeier engaged in conversations about the ways to end the conflict in Ukraine and the importance of finding a resolution that upholds the dignity of each state and respects international law. They highlighted the need for peaceful negotiations and collaboration to address complex geopolitical issues in the region. The visit also served as an opportunity to reflect on the enduring impact of historical atrocities, such as the Marzabotto massacre, and the importance of honoring the memory of the victims while working towards a more peaceful and just world.
Overall, the state visit by Italian president Sergio Mattarella to Germany showcased the strong relationship between the two countries and highlighted the shared commitment to addressing pressing global challenges. The visit included discussions on European issues, climate change cooperation, and commemorating historical atrocities to honor the victims and ensure that such events are not forgotten. Mattarella’s visit underscored the importance of unity, collaboration, and upholding international values in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes and pursuing peace and justice in the world.
