00:00Benvenuto, caro Presidente.
00:11You are the longest serving President of the Italian Republic,
00:14but today we welcome you here not only as a statesman,
00:20but also as a European at heart.
00:23Throughout your life, you have always worked
00:27to put Italy at the center of Europe.
00:31In your very first speech as President, 10 years ago,
00:35you called our union a safe harbor and a frontier of hope.
00:42You said that European countries need our union
00:45to protect and project their sovereignty in the world.
00:50And ever since, you have always called on Europe to be ambitious
00:54and to aim higher.
00:56You've demanded strong action on competitiveness
00:59in line with the Draghi and Leta reports.
01:02It's exactly the topic that we have discussed today
01:05in our college meeting.
01:07You have reminded us of our responsibility to protect nature
01:12and to leave the world a better place
01:15for our children and grandchildren.
01:17And you've been unwavering in your support for Ukraine.
01:24Two weeks ago, you said,
01:26Nesun Dorma.
01:28We have heard your call.
01:30And today we will discuss how we can respond to it.
01:34On a personal note, Mr. President,
01:38I'd like to recall one of our meetings in your hometown of Palermo.
01:43I was struck by how warmly you were welcomed by everyone,
01:50especially the young people.
01:52Young Italians look up to you
01:53because you've always been a voice of wisdom
01:58and a point of reference.
02:01And I want you to know this is true for all Europeans.
02:04It's an honor and a pleasure to have you here today.
02:07Thank you very much, Mr. President, for coming.
02:09And the floor is yours.
02:10Thank you very much, Mr. President, for coming.
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