Paolo Gentiloni

“I am not in a position to be accurate on news analysis. But what I firmly believe is that Iranian President Rouhani and the government have committed themselves to a process. I don't think this process is about changing the principles of the Islamic republic, but it is about accepting a certain path of opening in the political and economic fields.”

“It is very important to have good relations with the United States.”

“Responding to terrorism inevitably implies military consequences. This may shock some people, but these groups must also be dealt with on a military footing. I won't use the word 'combat' to avoid being painted as a crusader.”

“Italy has no colonial past in Iran.”

“If necessary, Italy is prepared to fight against Islamic State in Libya because the Italian government cannot accept a terrorist danger in power just a few hours away from Italy by boat.”

“I'm aware of the urgency to give Italy a government in the fullness of its powers, to reassure the citizens, and to face with utmost commitment and determination international, economic and social priorities.”

“The migratory phenomenon exists, and Europe will have to face it together. The only alternative is a 'beggar-thy-neighbor' solution, in which countries try to load the problem off on their neighbors.”

“We must not forget that culture is the key tool to make society advance and defeat all forms of radicalism.”

“I know that many in Germany think we have a merry financial policy over here.”

“Italian design is a global excellence, on a par with food, culture, cinema, and, more generally, lifestyle.”

“The E.U. cannot give up on common solidarity. The idea that every country does its own thing, and history and geography decides whose turn it is - whether Greece or Italy or Spain or, who knows, even Poland if there's a crisis in north-eastern Europe - that just can't be. There has to be a common policy.”

“We always have to remember that we, the Italians, have always cooperated with the U.S., and with Reagan and Carter and Nixon and Clinton, Bush and Obama. And Trump, Trump is the American-elected president. So, cooperation is there.”

“We are in favor of free trade.”

“I want to say very clearly that the government... is ready to intervene in order to guarantee the stability of banks and the savings of our citizens.”

“If someone thinks the course of Italian politics will become anti-European, against an open society, against trade, or populist, as they say today, the facts will prove them wrong.”

“Europe - with hundreds of millions of people - can accept hundreds of thousands of migrants.”

“On immigration, Europe is in danger of displaying the worst of itself: selfishness, haphazard decision-making and rows between member states.”

“Italy is a free country. Its voters decide freely.”

“Italy remains deeply engaged in the global fight against terrorism as well as on domestic programmes against radicalisation.”

“Italy is working to make sure the Brexit shock is an opportunity for a European reawakening.”