Mogherini is nothing if not steadfast. In Washington recently, she emphasized "how strong …, how good, how excellent" ties with the US are. The Obama camp was likewise pleased to hear the Italian minister say: "We take the same line as the United States: the austerity policies need to be accompanied by greater flexibility to stimulate growth." Talking in smaller groups, she even mentions an "American" stamped cultural mission undertaken by the Renzi government.

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