Rome HQ ‘welcome’ says diplomat after FM Sturgeon talks
A NEW “Scotland House” hub in Rome would be “most welcome”, according to Italy’s ambassador to the UK.
Raffaele Trombetta, the Italian Ambassador to the UK, made his comments after meeting First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in Edinburgh during a two day visit to Scotland last week.
His visit to Scotland was his first diplomatic mission since Covid restrictions eased with his 40-minute meeting with Ms Sturgeon taking place in Bute House.
The trip was designed to help forge closer cultural, trade and academic ties between the two countries and to thank the First Minister for supporting Italian citizens living in Scotland post Brexit.
The Scottish Government has several hubs across the EU, including in Paris, Dublin, Brussels and Berlin.
It emerged earlier this month that Ms Sturgeon’s Government has increased spending to more than £9 million on its network of offices across the world.
A new headquarters is to open in Copenhagen this spring with plans for a hub in Warsaw during the current Parliament.
Asked if he would like to see a new Scottish Government office open in Rome, the ambassador said: “Well, of course, it’s for the Scottish Government to decide that, so I can’t comment on that. But if they did decide then I’m sure they would be most welcome in Italy.”
Ms Sturgeon is planning to hold a second independence referendum next year and wants to take Scotland back into the EU.
However, Mr Trombetta said the issue of Scottish independence and EU membership did not come up in the meeting with Ms Sturgeon.
Asked if there was recognition in Italy that Scotland did not vote for Brexit, he said: “Honestly, as a diplomat I cannot comment on internal affairs.” Mr Trombetta was also reluctant to discuss how long it would take for an independent Scotland to join the EU.
EU expert Anthony Salamone said: “The Scottish Government’s representative offices are important conduits to promote trade and investment, educational opportunities and cultural exchange between Scotland and other countries.
“They also link Scotland to major policy developments and debates in the rest of Europe which have an impact on us. Italy is the third-largest state in the European Union and often an influential member. If the Scottish Government wants to be connected to the EU, it should invest more in Scotland’s relationship with Italy.