President Sergio Mattarella on
Saturday was returning to Italy from a State visit to Brazil
that he described as "enthralling" on his last day during an
encounter with members of the Italian community in Salvador.
During the visit, which started last Sunday, Mattarella met his
Brazilian counterpart Lula in Brasilia and he also went to Porto
Alegre, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
"I made several stops, which does not normally happen in a State
visit," he said. "But this is a great country in many respects
and, in this immense country, there are many communities of
Italian origin, which are made up of proud Brazilians and they
maintain a bond of affection with Italy, representing a history
of great value and significance, which makes Italy proud.
"This presence has created an inseparable bond between Italy and
Brazil".
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