(ANSA) - ROME, DEC 17 - The Commission General for Italy at Expo 2025 Osaka and Legacoop - the National League of Cooperatives and Mutual Societies - have signed an agreement for the Italian cooperative movement's participation at Expo 2025 Osaka.
    Expo 2025 Osaka will be a unique opportunity to consolidate diplomatic relations between Italy and Japan, which have been raised to the level of strategic partnership.
    With the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives", the Universal Exhibition will be a showcase for the cooperative model, which has been recognized by the UN proclaiming 2025 the International Year of Cooperatives.
    The Commission General for Italy and Legacoop, which represents over 10,400 cooperative companies, are committed to promoting the cooperative model at the global level.
    "Legacoop's participation in Expo 2025 Osaka during the International Year of Cooperatives promoted by the UN is an important opportunity to enhance the relationship with the Japanese cooperative movement, and develop new partnerships for System Italy in Asia," commented Ambassador Mario Vattani, the Commissioner General for Italy at Expo 2025 Osaka.
    "The cooperative system is an effective tool with which to address the challenges that the theme of the Expo, 'Designing Future Society for Our Lives', refers to.
    "It is a model whose roots in Italy date back to the nineteenth century, is recognized as an excellence internationally, and is observed with interest by countries in the Asian region, in addition to Japan".
    Legacoop President Simone Gamberini expressed satisfaction.
    "Relations between Italy and Japan transcend mere trade, as they are deeply rooted, for us, in a history of collaboration and solidarity with the Japanese cooperative movement, which is of fundamental importance for the country's economy," Gamberini said.
    "The upcoming Expo 2025 Osaka, therefore, is an ideal stage to celebrate the International Year of Cooperatives proclaimed by the UN.
    "This agreement with the Commission General for Italy at Expo testifies Italy's ability to unite in a cohesive system in which institutions and the business world come together to pursue common objectives, thus strengthening our commitment towards increasingly broad and fruitful international cooperation".
    (ANSA).