Italy considers Türkiye a crucial partner in European security and seeks closer cooperation on regional stability, NATO and international initiatives, Italian Ambassador to Türkiye Giuseppe Manzo told Anadolu in an exclusive interview.
“We really believe that Türkiye has a crucial role in our security,” Manzo said, adding that both countries want “more Europe in NATO”.
He highlighted the NATO summit, the 4+4 meeting and COP31 as opportunities to strengthen political cooperation, noting shared concerns about threats to NATO’s eastern and southern flanks.
“We need to adapt to new challenges and find new answers to new questions and new threats,” he said, adding that Italy and Türkiye were well positioned to do so.
Trade, cultural ties and international cooperation
Manzo said the countries’ geographical positions — Italy in the Mediterranean and Türkiye at the crossroads of Europe and Asia — offered opportunities to develop new approaches to regional and international challenges.
He also highlighted longstanding bilateral ties as the two countries mark 170 years of diplomatic relations. Italy is Türkiye’s leading trading partner in the Mediterranean and its second-largest in Europe, he said.
The ambassador pointed to educational and cultural exchanges, noting that Turkish students form Italy’s second-largest international student community. Italian scholars and Turkish archaeologists are also working together on 15 missions.
Manzo voiced support for reforming the UN Security Council to make it “more transparent and democratic”, recalling a book he received from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan bearing the phrase “The world is bigger than five”.
He also highlighted cooperation in space exploration, including joint satellite projects and Türkiye’s first astronaut travelling to space alongside Italian astronauts.
‘I felt at home’
Reflecting on his first months in Ankara, Manzo praised Turkish hospitality and said he had immediately felt welcomed.
“I felt at home,” he said.
Originally from Naples, the ambassador said his Mediterranean background helped him connect with Turkish culture. He described Ankara as his home and praised Istanbul’s historical ties with Italy.
Manzo concluded by extending his best wishes to the Turkish people on the occasion of Republic Day.
