ITALIAN MINISTER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ROME 000205 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: SENV ECON ENRG KSCA IT SUBJECT: ITALIAN MINISTER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IDENTIFIES ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE AS PRIORITIES FOR FEBRUARY 6 MEETING WITH ENERGY SECRETARY BODMAN ROME 00000205 001.2 OF 002 ¶1. This is an action request. Please see paragraph 5. ¶2. Introduction and Summary. In a January 26 meeting with Acting Ecmin, Vincenzo De Luca, Diplomatic Advisor to Minister of Economic Development Bersani, identified intensifying U.S.-Italy cooperation on energy research and development and climate change as priority issues for Bersani's February 6 meeting with Energy Secretary Bodman. De Luca proposed renewal of the 1995 U.S.-Italy framework Agreement on Energy Research and Development as a first step in broadening bilateral cooperation in energy research, and said Minister Bersani would like to sign a Letter of Intent to this effect during his February 6 meeting with Secretary Bodman. De Luca proposed that negotiations for renewal of the 1995 framework agreement Q- or a new agreement entirely -- follow the signing of the Letter of Intent, with the goal of signing an agreement later this year. End Introduction and Summary. ¶3. GOI proposed text for the Letter of Intent follows. (Begin text.) February 6, 2007 DRAFT JOINT LETTER OF INTENT Hon. Samuel Bodman, Secretary of State (sic),Department of Energy of the United States of America and Hon. Pierluigi Bersani, Minister of Economic Development of the Republic of Italy, met in Washington D.C. on February 6, 2007 to discuss and examine energy issues in the shared interest; They reaffirmed their commitment towards a sustainable and secure energy future while noting that actions and measures to increase energy security and cope with the climate change challenge appear needed and urgent; They noted the role of continuing and strengthened (sic) international collaboration on energy technology research and development; They noted that an Agreement was signed on May 26, 1995 between the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Handicraft (now the Ministry of Economic Development) of the Republic of Italy and the Department of Energy of the United States of America in the field of energy research and development; They noted that this Agreement allowed the two signatory entities to establish effective cooperation and work towards common goals; They noted that the agreement expired and it would be appropriate to explore the [establishment] of a new framework for bilateral cooperation, on energy technology and climate change; They agreed to establish a special task force to this purpose; They decided to appoint three experts from each side and defined end-March 2007 and Washington D.C. as the venue of the first meeting of this special task force. (signed) For the Department of Energy of the United States (signed) For the Ministry of Economic Development of the Republic of Italy (End Text.) ¶4. (U) De Luca noted Minister BersaniQs strong interest in cooperation between the USG and GOI on climate change issues, but did not propose a vehicle for this cooperation. Washington addressees may want to consider how best to handle the request for cooperation on climate change issues. One suggestion might be to fold proposed new cooperation into the existing bilateral climate change dialogue, ongoing since 2001. Alternatively, the USG may prefer instead to work through G8 initiatives, such as the International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy, Methane to Markets, etc. ROME 00000205 002.2 OF 002 ¶5. (U) Action request. Post requests Washington agencies review the Letter of Intent proposed by the GOI and indicate whether Secretary Bodman would be interested in signing this Letter of Intent during his February 6 meeting with Minister Bersani. If so, please indicate if the proposed text in paragraph three is acceptable. After February 2, Minister Bersani and his party can be reached through the Italian Embassy in Washington. End action requested. SPOGLI