Austin – Italy’s Ambassador to the United States, Marco Peronaci, concluded a three-day visit to Texas on September 12, accompanied by Consul General Mauro Lorenzini.
“I chose Texas for my first official visit outside Washington to signal Italy’s strong interest in strengthening relations with the Lone Star State,” Ambassador Peronaci said. “In recent years, our presence here has grown significantly, with more Italian companies investing in Texas and more of our citizens moving here. There is great potential to deepen cooperation, particularly in energy, space, medicine, and biotechnology.”
During his visit, Peronaci attended the opening of the exhibition Myth and Marble: Ancient Roman Sculpture from the Torlonia Collection at the Kimbell Art Museum’s Renzo Piano Pavilion in Fort Worth. In Austin, he met with Governor Greg Abbott, highlighting Italy’s economic and institutional presence in Texas, including more than 200 Italian companies.
In Houston, the Ambassador met with the Italian community: “The significant presence of Italian scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs in Texas is a powerful driver for showcasing Italian excellence and promoting Made in Italy. Their achievements in science, innovation, and quality production project an image of Italy as a country of creativity and entrepreneurship.”
Before returning to Washington, Peronaci visited the Consulate General in Houston and toured NASA’s Johnson Space Center, accompanied by Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano.