The Vice President hosted President Sergio Mattarella of Italy for lunch at the Blair House this afternoon to follow up on the conversation between President Obama and President Mattarella on February 8. The Vice President commended Italy’s commitment to European energy diversification and independence, and lauded Italy’s progress on political reforms, which are aimed at streamlining the lawmaking process. The leaders also agreed on the critical importance of full implementation of the Minsk Agreements, and the need to ensure that the Western Balkans remain firmly on the path of Euro-Atlantic integration.

###