French President Nicolas Sarkozy met Wednesday at the Elysee his Italian counterpart Giorgio Napolitano on the occasion of the official visit that the latter performs in France from September 28 to 30.

According to a statement from the Elysee Palace, the visit of Italian President is part of the unusually large and deep ties between the two countries.

The two presidents noted the important role played by France in the process of unification of Italy, while it prepares to celebrate the one hundred and fifty years of his unit, "crucial milestone in European history "the statement said.

"France and Italy, founding members of the European Union, are motivated by ambition to promote cohesion in the respect for diversity," the statement said.

MM. Sarkozy and Napolitano have expressed their commitment to the central importance for both countries, the partnership between France and Italy within the EU, when it should implement the Lisbon Treaty and to face challenges which commit its future and its place in the world.