In remembering Emma Bonino, who died at 78, there is also a chapter that directly concerns San Marino and its relations with Italy. One such episode dates back to January 2014, when Bonino, then Italy’s Foreign Minister, met at the Farnesina with San Marino’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Pasquale Valentini.
It was a particularly delicate phase for the Republic, engaged in normalizing relations with Italy, working to exit Italy’s black list, and taking its first steps toward closer integration with the European Union.
During the meeting, Valentini raised the issue of the black list as a priority, stressing its importance also in view of San Marino’s European path. For her part, Bonino confirmed the Italian government’s willingness to move forward, reporting that the Ministry of Economy no longer saw any obstacles and that the process for the Republic’s removal from the list could be completed in a short time.
This openness also extended to the Titano’s European future. The minister expressed Italy’s willingness to support San Marino on its path toward greater integration with Europe, noting that a closer relationship between San Marino and the European market would also have positive effects for Italy.
The talks also touched on the situation of cross-border workers, the agreement against double taxation, and cooperation between the two countries within the United Nations and the Council of Europe. Also on the agenda were the broadcasting agreement, the Rimini-San Marino international airport, the Science and Technology Park, the Adriatic-Ionian macro-region, and San Marino’s participation in Expo Milan 2015.
Finally, Valentini invited Bonino to pay an official visit to the Republic, also as part of the 75th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship and Good Neighbourliness between Italy and San Marino. The minister accepted the invitation, with the intention of setting a date for the visit at a later time.
