(Adnkronos) – The three-week Giro d’Italia cycle race’s start this year in Durres, Albania on 9 May sends a strong signal of support for the country’s bid to join the European Union, according to Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani.
“The fact that the Giro d’Italia is kicking off in Albania is important because it gives strong backing to a Western Balkan country that wants to join the EU,” Tajani said late on Monday.
“We are ready to welcome Albania into the EU soon,” Tajani underlined at a presentation of the Giro d’Italia’s 108th edition.
Italy’s government is “focusing a lot” on sports diplomacy, said Tajani.
“We have already started working with the Giro to promote the lesser known beauty spots of our country to the general public. It’s a very useful tool, he said.
The Giro d’Italia, first organised in 1909, is one of professional cycling’s three-week long grand tours and the second most important after the Tour de France.
