Obama: The U.S. Is Lucky to Have Many Strong Allies’ and ‘Few Are as Strong … as Italy’

"Today we’re focused on our duties, our work to advance the security and the prosperity of our peoples. I want to begin once again by expressing our deep gratitude as Americans for the extraordinary alliance with Italy. The United States is lucky to have many strong allies around the world. Few are as strong and as reliable and as capable as Italy. In good times and in bad, we can count on each other, and I want to thank the government, the people of Italy for the hospitality and the generosity they show to the many American military personnel and families who are stationed in Italy far away from home. Mateo, please also know that our thoughts continue to be with the people of Amatrice. I know that you’re still working closely with local governments there to recover and rebuild from the devastating earthquake that took place this summer."