ITALY - Eldred Bethel, Ambassador-designate of The Bahamas to the Italian Republic, Eldred Bethel, presented credentials to Giorgio Napolitano, President of Italy, at a Ceremony at Palazzo del Quirinale in Rome on Wednesday 22 January 2014. After the formal Presentation Ceremony, a private conversation ensued between the Ambassador and the President, and current issues including the economic recovery of both countries were among the topics of mutual interest discussed.

The Bahamas and Italy established formal Diplomatic relations in 1978 and H.E. Claudio Bisogniero is accredited as Ambassador of Italy to The Bahamas, resident in Washington D.C., while Mr. Emanuele Gariboldi serves as Italian Honorary Consul in The Bahamas. The Bahamas has two Honorary Consuls in Italy, Dr. Pasquale Intonti in Rome and Ms. Michelangela Vismara in Milan, who also serves as Regional Manager within The Bahamas' Tourist Office. Pictured: Ambassador Eldred Bethel presents Credentials to President Giorgio Napolitano. (Photo Credit: Ministero degli Affari Esteri/Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Italy)