Italy making 'impressive steps to modernise economy'
- United States President Barack Obama has richly praised Italian Premier Mario Monti ahead of Thursday's meeting between the leaders at the White House.
Obama complimented Monti on the efforts being made to steer Italy out of its debt crisis, with the approval of a tough austerity package in December, and his moves to make structural economic reforms.
Monti's emergency of administration of technocrats, who took over after Silvio Berlusconi was forced by the financial crisis to resign as premier in November, presented a series of economic liberalisation measures designed to stimulate growth last month.
The government also plans to introduce labour-market reforms to make it easier for young people and women to find jobs.
"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Monti, Italy is taking impressive steps to modernise its economy and to reduce its deficit with a combination of tax and spending measures and the nation back is regaining a position on the path towards growth," Obama told Turin-based daily La Stampa.
The US president also expressed gratitude to the Italian people for the country's involvement in the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan.
A White House statement said the leaders "will discuss the comprehensive steps the Italian government is taking to restore market confidence and reinvigorate growth through structural reforms, as well as the prospect of an expansion of Europe's financial firewall".
Sono bellissimo...
Administrafan