President to Depart for Italy on Sunday, to Open Honorary Consulate in Turin (2)

Bratislava, May 2 (TASR) - President Peter Pellegrini is set to depart for Italy on Sunday (May 4) to pay tribute to the historical legacy of General Milan Rastislav Stefanik, meet with top officials in the city of Trieste, and later in Turin, the President Office's communications department reported on Friday. "The Slovak president's visit to Italy highlights the importance of Friuli Venezia Giulia and Piedmont regions as strategic partners of Slovakia in the areas of logistics, energy, and technological cooperation," said the department. According to the President's Office, Friuli Venezia Giulia region holds exceptional historical significance for Slovakia. The head of state and his delegation will visit the town of Campoformido, from where Stefanik embarked on his final flight on May 4, 1919. "Peter Pellegrini will thus become the first president of Slovakia in history to honour the memory of M.R. Stefanik [on the anniversary itself], by laying a wreath at the memorial plaque at the site of his [last] departure, in the presence of local officials and Slovak diplomats," stated the office. The President's Office also stated that the programme will include a historical re-enactment of the Caproni Ca.33 aircraft departure, in which Stefanik died. Afterwards, Pellegrini will meet with Friuli Venezia Giulia region President Massimiliano Fedrigo, and the Mayor of Trieste, Roberto Dipiazza. On Monday (May 5), Pellegrini will visit Turin to open a startup conference at the LIFTT investment fund area, which focuses on supporting innovative companies. Representatives from Slovak startups will also accompany him. Pellegrini's participation aims to support the development of economic and innovation ties between Slovak and Italian tech companies. The highlight of the Slovak president's visit to Turin will be the opening of the Slovak Honorary Consulate and the inauguration of new honorary consul Stefan Buono. Foreign Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) will also be part of the delegation. lin/mcs/am