Argentine President Javier Milley, who is visiting Rome, has been granted Italian citizenship, the Italian news agency ANSA reported, quoted by BTA.
The libertarian, who will participate in the four-day annual conference "Atreyu", organized by the "Italian Brothers" party of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, learned the news during a conversation that lasted over an hour with the Prime Minister at the "Chigi" palace, the agency said.
This is a new chapter in the political and personal understanding between the two leaders, ANSA notes. Milley was informed of the positive conclusion of the accelerated procedure to trace his Italian roots, which the government started weeks ago.
The Argentine president's sister, Carina, also received citizenship, ANSA added, and the news was also reported by Reuters.
"The Italian government granted Italian citizenship to Javier Milley with a speed that is unknown to many foreigners with Italian parents or grandparents. Why was this expedited procedure for Milley, when others who want citizenship have to wait years?“, asked Angelo Bonelli, one of the leaders of the “Green and Left Union“, quoted by ANSA.
During a previous visit to Italy, Milley said in a television interview that he felt "75 percent Italian", since three of his parents, both his father and mother, are of Italian origin, Reuters recalls.
In the same interview, the Argentine president indicated that he has "an incredible passion for Italian opera", the world agency added.