Rome, 4 June (LaPresse) – "The relationship between the United States and Italy has spanned many generations. The contribution of immigrants who were welcomed into the United States on an equal footing with those from other European countries has been decisive in shaping the character of American culture and its values. What has developed between the United States and Europe is a relationship of mutual and respectful enrichment, of reciprocity, a deep relationship that must be made ever stronger." These were the words of Italian President Sergio Mattarella as he received a delegation from the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) at the Quirinale Palace on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of its founding.