United States Vice President Dick Cheney on Tuesday praised Italy for being an ''excellent'' ally and Premier Silvio Berlusconi for being a ''strong'' leader.
Speaking at joint press conference after his meeting with the premier, Cheney said that ''relations between the United States and Italy have never been so strong. Our alliance is a prime example of collaboration and common action employing the principles and courage needed to achieve objectives''.
Italy, he observed, ''is a great nation and an excellent ally of the United States'' and Americans are ''proud to have it as an an ally''.
''When we think of Italy we think about your wonderful people, your history which is so rich in culture and your beautiful countryside,'' the vice president added.
Cheney said that ''Italy takes its world leadership responsibilities seriously'' and cited as examples the deployment of Italian forces in international missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon and Kosovo.
Turning his attention to his host, Cheney said ''in my last visit to Italy as vice president I would like to express my respect for Premier Berlusconi, a strong man who has accepted the responsibility of leadership''.
Over the years, he added, Berlusconi has become ''a good friend of the United States and we have appreciated his advice and wisdom''.
Berlusconi replied by thanking, also on behalf of the Italian people, the US ''which paid with many lives to give us back our life and freedom and helped us regain our dignity and well-being after World War Two''.
At the press conference Berlusconi announced that he had accepted an invitation to be the guest of honor at a Columbus Day dinner in the US offered by US President George W. Bush.
Columbus Day this year is on October 13.
