Lugano welcomes new Consul General of Italy D’Archirafi

The Consul General of Italy in Lugano, Uberto Vanni D’Archirafi, accompanied by Vice-Consul Tiziana Giacometti, was received today at the Palazzo Civico by the City Council of Lugano in corpore.

The Minister Plenipotentiary D’Archirafi succeeds Gabriele Meucci, who last March took up his new mandate as Ambassador of Italy to Guatemala City. Consul D’Archirafi, who took office on 7 April, has extensive diplomatic experience that includes previous posts as Consul General in Vancouver and London, Diplomatic Adviser to the Minister at the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities, and Ambassador in Portugal.

Today’s meeting continues a tradition also followed by his predecessors, who recognize the importance of consolidating the existing cooperation between Italy, Lugano and Ticino, which is expressed in the economy as well as in culture and education, research and tourism.

Many bilateral issues were addressed during the discussion: cross-border cooperation, the promotion of multi-sector exchanges and, not least, transport. The timely completion of the southbound extension of AlpTransit beyond Lugano, linking it to the Italian railway network, is regarded as a priority for the future development of both territories in a rapidly evolving and expanding economic and social context.