by InTrieste
U.S. Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta praised Trieste’s historical importance, economic potential and strategic location during a visit to the northeastern Italian port city on Thursday, part of a coastal tour commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Arriving aboard his yacht, Boardwalk, Fertitta spent the morning visiting Miramare Castle and the headquarters of Illycaffè before meeting with reporters.
Calling Trieste “one of the most beautiful cities in Europe,” the ambassador pointed to the city’s longstanding ties with the United States.
“There is a reason we established our second consulate here in 1797,” Fertitta said. “Trieste is connected to a very important part of Europe. I had heard about both the coffee company and the castle, and it was wonderful to visit them today.”
Fertitta also described Friuli Venezia Giulia as an attractive destination for both tourism and investment.
“This is a region many people want to visit, and they know it is a fantastic place to do business,” he said. “It is an extraordinary city, and companies want to be located in special places. This is certainly a special region.”
Asked about the American expatriate community in the region, Fertitta replied, “Yes, absolutely. They love us.”
The ambassador highlighted the strategic significance of the Port of Trieste, describing it as a gateway to Central Europe that has long played a key role in international trade.
“This has been an important commercial hub for years, and it continues to be,” he said. “Just look at this port and its proximity to this part of Europe. Trieste will always be an important place for Italy and for Europe.”
Fertitta also referred to Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, noting the company’s ongoing cooperation with the United States.
“Fincantieri is one of the largest shipbuilding companies in the world,” he said. “I have met with our Secretary of the Navy and with Fincantieri, and we expect to continue doing business with them for many years.”
Following the press briefing, Fertitta hosted a reception aboard Boardwalk attended by regional and local officials, business leaders and representatives of public institutions.
Among those present was Massimiliano Fedriga, president of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, who emphasized the value of regional partnerships in strengthening ties between Italy and the United States.
“I believe relationships between regions are what truly connect our countries because they endure over time,” Fedriga said. “Governments may change, but the strategic alliance between Italy and the United States remains fundamental, especially in a period of international uncertainty. Cooperation through business, cultural exchanges and tourism is the foundation of the partnership between Friuli Venezia Giulia and the U.S. state of Virginia.”
The visit also prompted a demonstration near the waterfront. Approximately 50 protesters gathered opposite the pier where Boardwalk was docked. The protest was organized by the associations Salaam, Ragazzi dell’Olivo and Assopace Palestina, with the participation of several other groups, including members of the No Green Pass movement.
Demonstrators carried Palestinian, Cuban and peace flags and displayed a large banner reading “Yankee Go Home.” The protest remained peaceful.
