Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti this morning reiterated Italy's 'strong and committed' support for Turkey's bid to join the European Union.
He said Turkey was integrating in Europe and would give added geo-political, economic, strategic and cultural value to the EU.
He was speaking during a meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is on an official visit to Rome.
He is due to meet Italian President Napolitano later today.