A new Italian consulate aimed at boosting the country’s links with the north and north-east was opened in Aberdeen yesterday.
Roberto Foietta has been appointed honorary consul for the region and was joined at the opening ceremony by Italian consul for Scotland Carlo Perrotta and the Lord Provost George Adam.
Mr Perrotta said: “The opening of the consulate is part of a plan to widen the Italian consular network in the UK, with Aberdeen having been a priority due to its key position in the strategically significant oil and gas sector.
“Several important Italian companies operate in Aberdeen, the most notable of which is Nuovo Pignone, and it therefore seemed only natural to open a new office in the city.
“Mr Foietta will assist Italian nationals living in the Aberdeen area, with support from our office in Edinburgh, especially with regard to the issuing of passports and digital fingerprint collection.”
Links with the north-east will also be boosted when Pasquale Terracciano, ambassador to the UK, visits Aberdeen in August.
He will be accompanied by a trio of classical musicians from Apulia who will perform at the Aberdeen International Youth Festival.