Italian Ambassador Giuseppe Manzo announced that the Italian Embassy in Ankara will support Vincenzo Montella and the Turkish national football team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, speaking during a National Day reception held at the embassy residence to mark the 80th anniversary of the Italian Republic.
The reception, hosted by Ambassador Manzo, brought together Deputy Foreign Minister and Director for EU Affairs Ambassador Mehmet Kemal Bozay, Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, artists and numerous guests.
MANZO: “THIS CELEBRATION BELONGS TO THE TURKISH PEOPLE AS WELL”
Noting that Italy is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Republic this year and emphasising that the friendship between Italy and Türkiye rests on shared European values and decades of cooperation, “Today, first and foremost, we are proud to be Italian. However, this celebration is also yours; it is a celebration for the Turkish people as friends of Italy and as fellow Europeans.”
Recalling that this year also marks the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Italy, Manzo said the two countries continue to maintain close cooperation within NATO, the G20, the United Nations and the Council of Europe.
Manzo also introduced a new logo marking the 170th anniversary of bilateral relations, designed by Istanbul-based student Mehmet Furkan Aydın.
HIGHLIGHTING SHARED FOREIGN POLICY PRIORITIES
Pointing to the two countries’ common position on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Manzo said Italy and Türkiye continue to work together in response to threats to peace and stability.
Drawing attention to cooperation launched under the leadership of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, together with Libya and Qatar, Manzo also highlighted efforts to fight against criminal networks that profit from irregular migration.
“LET’S GO, BOYS!”
Opening his speech with a light-hearted football reference, “Another fake story going around is that Italy will not be at the World Cup. We will be there, thanks to you and Vincenzo Montella. However, with the Azzurri absent this time, the embassy will be cheering for Montella and Türkiye. Let’s go, boys!”
THE QUESTION ABOUT ANKARA’S BEST KEBAB WENT VIRAL
Reflecting on the hospitality he has experienced in Türkiye and his interaction with Turkish social media users, “Our team posts every day about trade, Europe, defence and the future. Yet the most successful post on my account was the one asking where to find the best kebab in Ankara. I received hundreds of recommendations, and the post reached half a million views.”
BOZAY: RELATIONS HAVE EVOLVED INTO A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
Highlighting the shared Mediterranean heritage and centuries-old ties between the two countries, Deputy Foreign Minister and Director for EU Affairs Ambassador Mehmet Kemal Bozay said, “Relations between Türkiye and Italy are rooted in a shared Mediterranean heritage and centuries of historical ties. Today, we are pleased to see these ties evolve into a strategic partnership built on strong historical foundations.”
Noting that Italy is one of Türkiye’s most important trading partners in Europe, Bozay said bilateral trade volume has exceeded $30 billion in recent years.
TRADE AND DEFENCE COOPERATION TAKE CENTRE STAGE
Highlighting the growing number of joint projects carried out by Turkish and Italian companies across various sectors, “There is significant potential in the fields of energy security, connectivity, the green transition and sustainable development.”
Stressing that defence cooperation has become an important indicator of mutual trust and a shared strategic vision, “Our defence industry cooperation has become a key indicator of mutual trust and a shared strategic vision. Baykar’s acquisition of Piaggio Aerospace and the joint venture established by Baykar and Leonardo to develop unmanned aerial systems technologies are among the most tangible examples of this cooperation.”
Guests enjoyed Italian cuisine throughout the evening, while live music and DJ performances added to the celebratory atmosphere.
