Minister Bettel Celebrates Luxembourg’s Links to Italy During Rome Visit

On Friday 19 June 2026, Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel, undertook a visit to Rome, Italy. 

The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Cooperation and Foreign Trade reported that Minister Bettel took part in the official reception organised by the Embassy of Luxembourg in Rome on the occasion of Luxembourg’s National Day, in the presence of members of the Luxembourgish community, the Italian authorities, representatives of the United Nations, as well as actors from the economic and financial sectors.

In his speech delivered at the official reception, Minister Bettel highlighted the depth of the historical and human ties that unite Italy and Luxembourg.

With more than 25,000 Italian citizens residing in Luxembourg today, the Italian community has played an essential role in the country’s economic and social development and continues to make a significant contribution.

The ministry noted that Luxembourg and Italy are key partners and founding members of the European Union, as well as allies within NATO. Both countries share a common commitment to international law, multilateralism, and a rules-based international order.

Minister Bettel also underlined the importance of bilateral economic relations across many sectors, with Italy being Luxembourg’s fifth-largest trading partner.

On the margins of the reception, Minister Bettel awarded two honorary distinctions. The Reverend Brother Jean-Paul Muller was awarded a distinction in the 

Order of Merit of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, while Colonel Marco Ferrara, who serves in the 28th Infantry Regiment “Pavia” of the Italian Army, was awarded a medal of recognition for an overseas mission.