Transcript - Press Conference: Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni - April 20, 2017 | Factba.se

Donald Trump

00:00:00 - 00:00:53 (53 sec)

Prime Minister Gentiloni, welcome. Great honor. Thank you. It's wonderful to have you in our wonderful People's House, known as the White House. And so many great Italian friends are with us today. And we renew, always, the deep ties of history and friendship that link together the American and the Italian peoples. That history traces its roots to the timeless contributions of Italy to civilization and human progress -- so true -- stretching all the way back to Ancient Rome.

Donald Trump

00:00:53 - 00:01:25 (32 sec)

Through the ages, your country has been a beacon of artistic and scientific achievement -- and that continues today -- from Venice to Florence, from Verdi to Pavarotti, a friend of mine. Great friend of mine. These bonds of history and culture have only grown stronger as our two nations have become close partners, dear friends, and very vital allies.

Donald Trump

00:01:25 - 00:02:04 (39 sec)

Mr. Prime Minister, I'm thrilled that you are here today to discuss how we can make this great relationship even more productive in the years to come. On the economy, Italy is one of Americas largest trading partners. A lot of people don't know that. We both seek a trading relationship that is balanced, reciprocal -- I love the word "reciprocal," because we don't have too many reciprocal trading partnerships, I will tell you that, but we will very soon -- and fair, benefitting both of our countries. And we can work together to achieve that outcome, and that will happen.

Donald Trump

00:02:04 - 00:02:50 (46 sec)

Italy is also a key partner in the fight against terrorism. Italy is now the second-largest contributor of troops to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. I would also like to thank you, Prime Minister, for your leadership on seeking stabilization in Libya, and for your crucial efforts to deny ISIS a foothold in the Mediterranean. You fought hard. We're grateful for your role in the anti-ISIS campaign. All nations must condemn this barbaric enemy and support the effort to achieve its total and complete destruction.

Donald Trump

00:02:50 - 00:03:13 (23 sec)

Also, as you know, Mr. Prime Minister, we have more than 30,000 American service members, families, and personnel who are stationed across your country. As we reaffirm our support for historic institutions, we must also reaffirm the requirement that everyone must pay their full and fair share for the cost of defense.

Donald Trump

00:03:13 - 00:03:51 (38 sec)

Together, we can address many pressing challenges, including two that greatly affect both of our countries, those of large-scale migration and international smuggling. Maintaining strong borders is a vital component of any security policy, and a responsible approach to refugees is one that seeks the eventual return of refugees to their home countries so that they can help to rebuild their own nations.

Donald Trump

00:03:51 - 00:04:18 (27 sec)

Finally, I want to say how much I look forward to visiting Sicily for the G7, as we seek to foster cooperation not only on matters of security, but also science, commerce, health, and technology. Our two countries have shared interests and shared values, and we can each make great contributions to the other.

Donald Trump

00:04:18 - 00:04:50 (32 sec)

Mr. Prime Minister, I again want to thank you for being with us and being our true friend. Italy is a spectacular place; I know it well. I love the people of Italy. We have 18 million Italians living in the United States, people originally from Italy. And it's a great honor to have many of them as my friends. Thank you for being here.

Paolo Gentiloni

00:04:50 - 00:05:58 (68 sec)

Thank you for hosting us here. It's an honor to be here at the White House today. And I'll now switch to Italian. [Via White House Interpreter] We had a very fruitful meeting which reflects an ancient friendship, as the President reminded us with his words. This friendship is also a sign of the 18 million Italian Americans who have such an important role in our country -- in this country. And this friendship is witnessed also by the fact that Italy is the second choice of American students to study abroad, and we're very proud of this. And this confirms the importance that the United States gives to the cultural dimension of our country, as the President, himself, just said.

Paolo Gentiloni

00:05:58 - 00:06:30 (32 sec)

This friendship is based on a common commitment against terrorism. This commitment is a commitment in which we are both very active -- our country is very active in Iraq and in Afghanistan, and I think that the stabilization work will be decisive, the civilization work of Iraq, after the military defeat that we expect for Daesh.

Paolo Gentiloni

00:06:30 - 00:07:24 (54 sec)

We know that this action against terrorism must take place within our individual countries. In Europe, with the social and cultural commitment against radicalization, by cooperating with Islamic communities, Italy contributes to peace and to stability in the Mediterranean. In Syria, where I believe the U.S. choice to react to the use of chemical weapons by Bashar al-Assad, and where a negotiated solution is more necessary than ever. In Libya -- and we discussed this in our meeting -- where we need to work against the division of the country in order to stabilize it.

Paolo Gentiloni

00:07:24 - 00:07:43 (19 sec)

This is a very decisive task if we want to manage the migratory flows without giving up on our values and our humanitarian principles. And we need to contrast the horrible traffic of people and clandestine refugees.

Paolo Gentiloni

00:07:43 - 00:08:14 (31 sec)

Italy is convinced of its strategic commitment in favor of the transatlantic relationship. We have also spoken about common commitments in NATO and the goals that were identified in 2014, and the commitments on military expenses and the contribution that each country must make towards collective security. We are proud of our contribution.

Paolo Gentiloni

00:08:14 - 00:08:45 (31 sec)

And finally, Italy is a country of dialogue. We are proud because we succeeded in keeping open the doors in difficult crises. Dialogue can be useful even vis--vis Russia, without obviously giving up our unity and our principles, and without giving up our strength and our values.

Paolo Gentiloni

00:08:45 - 00:09:25 (40 sec)

I also told President Trump that we have confidence -- even though this is a difficult moment, and we all know it's difficult right now -- we have confidence in the future of the European Union and certainly in the importance of the relationship between the U.S. and Italy. These are the two pillars that the transatlantic relationship is based on and a great part of peace and freedom in the world. We are going through a difficult time, but I have confidence that the European Union will continue to be a positive response to this.

Paolo Gentiloni

00:09:25 - 00:09:55 (30 sec)

And, finally, we are expecting and I look forward to the President's visit to the summit in Taormina, and I trust that this will be the opportunity to show him the unity of our leaders and of the principal free economies of the planet. Because right now, we really do need this unity. Once again, thank you, Mr. President.

Donald Trump

00:09:55 - 00:10:06 (11 sec)

Thank you very much. Thank you. Appreciate it. I'll take a few questions. John Roberts of Fox, please.

John Roberts

00:10:06 - 00:10:16 (10 sec)

Mr. President, thanks so much. I hope you'll forgive me for asking you a three-part question -- it's been a while. In just the last few minutes -- I believe it was while you were meeting with the Prime Minister -- there was a shooting in downtown Paris.

Donald Trump

00:10:16 - 00:10:16 (0 sec)

John Roberts

00:10:16 - 00:10:43 (27 sec)

Its being described as a potential terrorist attack. I wonder if you have something on that. And further to that, to the big trouble spots that you're dealing with right now, North Korea and Iran. Do you believe that the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un, is mentally unstable? Is that one of the reasons why you're so concerned about these latest developments? Is he a man who can be reasoned with? And on Iran, do you have reason to suspect that they are cheating on the JCPOA?

John Roberts

00:10:43 - 00:11:02 (19 sec)

And to Mr. Prime Minister, you talked just a moment ago about your commitment to NATO. President Trump would like to see all NATO members contribute 2 percent of their GDP to NATO. Your contribution is slightly less than 1 percent. Will you commit to committing 2 percent of your GDP to the Alliance going forward? Thank you.

Donald Trump

00:11:02 - 00:11:38 (36 sec)

Well, first of all, I love the question you asked the Prime Minister. I look forward to his answer -- [Laughter] -- because I'm going to be asking him that same question very soon. Well, first of all, our condolences from our country to the people of France. Again, it's happening, it seems. I just saw it as I was walking in, so that's a terrible thing and it's a very, very terrible thing that's going on in the world today. But it looks like another terrorist attack. And what can you say -- it just never ends. We have to be strong and we have to be vigilant. And I've been saying it for a long time.

Donald Trump

00:11:38 - 00:11:58 (20 sec)

As far as North Korea is concerned, we are in very good shape. We're building our military rapidly. A lot of things have happened over the last short period of time. I've been here for approximately 91 days; were doing a lot of work. Were in very good position. We're going to see what happens.

Donald Trump

00:11:58 - 00:12:29 (31 sec)

I can't ask your -- answer your question on stability. I hope the answer is a positive one, not a negative one. But hopefully that will be something that gets taken care of. I have great respect for the President of China. As you know, we had a great summit in Florida, and Palm Beach, and got to know each other and I think like each other. I can say from my standpoint I liked him very much. I respect him very much. And I think he's working very hard.

Donald Trump

00:12:29 - 00:12:58 (29 sec)

I can say that all of the pundits out there are saying they never have seen China work like they're working right now. Many coal ships have sent back. Many other things have happened. Some very unusual moves have been made over the last two or three hours. And I really have confidence that the President will try very hard. We don't know whether or not they're able to do that, but I have absolute confidence that he will be trying very, very hard.

Donald Trump

00:12:58 - 00:13:17 (19 sec)

And one of the reasons that were talking about trade deals and were talking about all of the different things -- but were slowing up a little bit. I actually told him, I said, you'll make a much better deal on trade if you get rid of this menace or do something about the menace of North Korea. Because that's what it is, it's a menace right now.

Donald Trump

00:13:17 - 00:13:38 (21 sec)

So well see what happens. As far as Iran is concerned, I think they are doing a tremendous disservice to an agreement that was signed. It was a terrible agreement. It shouldn't have been signed. It shouldn't have been negotiated the way it was negotiated. I'm all for agreements, but that was a bad one, as bad as I've ever seen negotiated.

Donald Trump

00:13:38 - 00:14:02 (24 sec)

They are not living up to the spirit of the agreement, I can tell you that. And were analyzing it very, very carefully and we'll have something to say about it in the not-too-distant future. But Iran has not lived up to the spirit of the agreement. And they have to do that. They have to do that. So we will see what happens. Thank you very much, John.

Paolo Gentiloni

00:14:02 - 00:14:31 (29 sec)

Thank you, Mr. President. [Via White House Interpreter] First of all, allow me to join President Trump's words for what happened in Paris. These words of condolences and closeness to the French people. And this is a very delicate period for them, just three days before the election.

Paolo Gentiloni

00:14:31 - 00:15:01 (30 sec)

As far as the question is concerned, the commitment has been made. It was made during a NATO summit. And we are used to respecting our commitments. We know that this will be a gradual process; it has already begun. And we know that Italy has certain limitations when it comes to its budget, but despite these limitations our commitment for common defense is very clear.

Paolo Gentiloni

00:15:01 - 00:15:45 (44 sec)

And, as I said earlier, I'm very proud not only of the progress made in our financial commitment, but also proud of the contribution that we give to the security of the Alliance in so many areas of the world. We talked about Iraq and Afghanistan, but we could also talk about the Baltic Sea or the Balkans. And in all of these areas, you will see the presence of Italian forces within the Alliance, and we are proud of that.

Question

00:15:45 - 00:16:51 (66 sec)

Sky Italia. [Via White House Interpreter] First, for you, President Gentiloni, I wanted to ask you -- we saw from this new administration a new type of policy on the international scene, very different from what we had in the past. And one of the last important operations which was carried out by President Trump was in Syria with a bombing following the use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime. I wanted to ask you, does Italy think or conceive a possibility to take action in -- more action in Syria? [Switching to English] -- since my colleague from Fox News did, so I'm going to take as well the possibility to ask you two questions. First of all, about European Union. You have said in the past that Brexit was a great thing, and that you think that other country will follow. So you know that Italy is an important player and supporter of European integration. Do you believe that actually a strong Europe is important for the United States, also looking forward at a French election?

Question

00:16:51 - 00:17:09 (18 sec)

And on the second question, is that you said that you're looking forward to come to Italy for the G7, and I wanted to know if you're also looking forward, if it's going to be possible, to meet Pope Francis during your Italian trip. Thank you.

Paolo Gentiloni

00:17:09 - 00:18:01 (52 sec)

[Via White House Interpreter] Syria: We immediately assessed the operation that was ordered by President Trump and decided that this was a motivated response to the use of chemical weapons. We added that it's up to everyone to consider negotiation as the road through which we hopefully can put an end to this infinite dramatic war and come to peace. Italy is not directly involved in the operations and military operations in Syria other than marginal aspects, but it's not our plan to change this attitude.

Donald Trump

00:18:01 - 00:18:34 (33 sec)

Yes, a strong Europe is very, very important to me as President of the United States. And it's also, in my opinion, in my very strong opinion, important for the United States. We want to see it. We will help it be strong, and it's very much to everybody's advantage. And I look very much forward to meeting the Pope. Fabian of The Hill. Fabian. Yes.

Jordan Fabian

00:18:34 - 00:18:50 (16 sec)

Thank you, Mr. President. Some people on Capitol Hill believe you can get one of two things next week: a vote on health care or a vote on a government funding bill. So my question is, which one is more important to you have: a vote on health care or a vote on a bill to keep the government open?

Jordan Fabian

00:18:50 - 00:19:09 (19 sec)

And, Mr. Prime Minister, I want to get your thoughts on a referendum in Turkey that occurred last week. You spoke about democratic values in the European continent, so are you concerned with the result of the Turkish referendum? Is that something that you discussed with President Trump?

Donald Trump

00:19:09 - 00:19:41 (32 sec)

Okay, I want to get both. Are you shocked to hear that? And were doing very well on health care. We'll see what happens. But this is a great bill. There's a great plan. And this will be great health care. Its evolving. You know, there was never a give-up. The press sort of reported there was like a give-up. There's no give-up. We started. Remember, it took Obamacare 17 months. I've really been negotiating this for two months, maybe even less than that, because we had a 30-day period where we did lots of other things the first 30 days.

Donald Trump

00:19:41 - 00:20:22 (41 sec)

But this has really been two months. And this is a continuation. And the plan gets better and better and better. And it's gotten really, really good. And a lot of people are liking it a lot. We have a good chance of getting it soon. I'd like to say next week, but it will be -- I believe we will get it. And whether its next week or shortly thereafter. As far as keeping the government open, I think we want to keep the government open. Don't you agree? So, yeah, I think well get both. Thank you.

Paolo Gentiloni

00:20:22 - 00:21:15 (53 sec)

[Via White House Interpreter] The Turkish referendum is a fact that we must take note of, leaving aside any debates that can take place about how the vote took place. But I believe the European leadership have taken note of the vote. The consequences will depend a great deal on how the Turkish government and President Erdogan, especially, will take into account almost half of the populations expression of a different opinion. Will there be an inclusive approach, or will there be a confrontation in this part of Turkey? This will be very important for us and the European Union.

Paolo Gentiloni

00:21:15 - 00:21:56 (41 sec)

The other thing that's going to be very important is the respect of the certain fundamental principles. We are members of the Atlantic alliance -- Italy and Turkey -- and Italy contributes to Turkeys defense with its own military assets. We believe that, among our countries, there should be a cooperation, and hopefully -- and we trust -- that this cooperation will have, among its consequences, the solution of the case concerning the journalist who's been detained over the last few days in Turkey.

Question

00:21:56 - 00:22:47 (51 sec)

[Via White House Interpreter] President Gentiloni, you have focused a lot on the leadership -- Italian leadership and American leadership -- in order to stabilize Libya. What do you expect exactly from Washington? And especially, I am asking you, what is necessary in this process, in this relationship of cooperation with Russia? [Switching to English] President Trump, do you see a role for your administration in helping stabilizing Libya? And do you agree that stabilizing Libya means combating terrorism and ISIS?

Paolo Gentiloni

00:22:47 - 00:23:50 (63 sec)

[Via White House Interpreter] America has played a very key role -- first of all, to prevent the consolidation of an important basis for terrorism while Daesh was undergoing defeat in Iraq and Syria. There were operations that were sustained by the U.S. against Daesh in the city of Sirte which were successful. Now the commitment must be political. And, therefore, in the cooperation of U.S. and Italy and other key partners in the region, the goal is to broaden the basis -- the consensus for the Tripoli government, which is recognized by the international community, but which must be able to count on a broader consensus.

Paolo Gentiloni

00:23:50 - 00:24:22 (32 sec)

I believe that one clear goal should be this: We need the region, and we need countries like Egypt and Tunisia that are close to Libya. We need a stable and unified Libya. A divided country and in conflict would make stability worse. The U.S. role in this is very critical.

Donald Trump

00:24:22 - 00:24:53 (31 sec)

I do not see a role in Libya. I think the United States has right now enough roles. We're in a role everywhere. So I do not see that. I do see a role in getting rid of ISIS. We're being very effective in that regard. We are doing a job, with respect to ISIS, that has not been done anywhere near the numbers that were producing right now. It's a very effective force we have. We have no choice.

Donald Trump

00:24:53 - 00:25:33 (40 sec)

It's a horrible thing to say, but we have no choice. And we are effectively ridding the world of ISIS. I see that as a primary role, and that's what we're going to do, whether it's in Iraq or in Libya or anywhere else. And that role will come to an end at a certain point, and we'll be able to go back home and rebuild our country, which is what I want to do. Thank you all very much. I appreciate it. Thank you.