Pellegrini Met with Fontana, Discussed Gas Supply to Slovakia (2)

Rome, January 15 (TASR-correspondent) - President Peter Pellegrini met with President of the Chamber of Deputies Lorenzo Fontana on Wednesday, and discussed the situation regarding natural gas supplies to Slovakia following the halt of its flow from Ukraine. The automotive industry and the European Union's actions in this area were also part of the discussion, as well as the situation in Ukraine, with both parties agreeing on the need for a ceasefire and an end to the military conflict. Pellegrini also met on the same day with mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri, with whom he discussed, among other issues, the roles of municipalities in caring for their people. Pellegrini also attended an economic forum in the Italian capital, the theme of which was "Why Slovakia? Fit for Investing and Trade". The president stated there that Slovakia can play a key role for Italian companies from a geographical point of view. He believes that economic cooperation between the two countries will be further strengthened. The president also visited the Column of Marcus Aurelius, [which commemorates events in or near the territory of Slovakia in the 2nd century AD, ed. note]. "In recent decades, no foreign head of state has climbed to the top of the column, but as part of the exceptionally good Slovak-Italian relations, President Pellegrini was given a unique opportunity to view this monument from the inside," stated the President's Office. Pellegrini will also attend a performance by the Slovak Folk Art Collective (SLUK) at the Auditorium Parco della Musica in the evening. lin/mcs