The Chief Minister met yesterday for lunch with the Italian Ambassador to London, Inigo Lambertini. 

A statement from the Government follows below:

The lunch was held at the Italian Embassy at Grosvenor Square. 

Discussions during the lunch explored opportunities for increasing trade between Italy and Gibraltar in the context of the strong cultural links between various cities and ports in Italy from which many Gibraltarians are descended. 

The lunch was also attended by the Gibraltar representative in London, Mr Dominique Searle, who had made all arrangements and Mr Peter Canessa, Principal Private Secretary of the Chief Minister'sOffice. TheAmbassadorwas accompanied byMrNicolòBiscottini, First Secretary,Chief of Staffto theAmbassador andMrUmbertoBernardo,Head oftheEconomicOfficeoftheEmbassy. 

The Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo KC MP, said: "It was a real pleasure to have the opportunity to discuss the potential to grow trade between Italy and Gibraltar in a post Brexit situation, and the different permutations that could take. It was particularly interesting to reflect on the Italian heritage and provenance of so many of our people and the aspirations for a closer relationship with Europe going forward, despite Brexit, in the areas of Schengen access and free movement of goods. I look forward to continuing this fruitful dialogue."