Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Elke Büdenbender paid an official visit to the Italian Republic from 17 to 18 September.

In Milan, the Federal President held political talks with President Sergio Mattarella and spoke with doctors, medical personnel and former patients about the COVID 19 pandemic and the medical support provided by Germany.

President Steinmeier and his host thereafter met with the mayors of German-Italian twinned cities. A discussion with Italian civil society and business representatives on ways out of the crisis took also place.

The Federal President and Elke Büdenbender were invited by the Italian President to attend a performance of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony at the La Scala opera house in the evening.

Overview of the programme:

Thursday, 17 September 2020

• Flight to Milan

• Royal Palace
  Welcome with military honours by the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella
  thereafter
  Talks with the President
  thereafter
  Meeting with doctors, nursing staff, patients and emergency workers affected during the acute phase of the COVID 19 pandemic
  thereafter
  Talks with the mayors of German-Italian twin towns

• Joint press statement
  thereafter
  Luncheon hosted by President Mattarella and Mrs Mattarella

• Milan Cathedral
  Tour of the Cathedral and lighting of a candle at the Altar of the Virgin Mary
  thereafter, Pirelli HangarBicocca
  Participation in a panel discussion on topics that will define the future

• La Scala
  Attendance at a performance of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor, op. 125, conducted by Riccardo Chailly

Friday, 18 September 2020

• Delegation hotel
  Discussion with culture professionals and representatives of civil society

• Flight to Berlin