Steinmeier in Naples, de Magistris: 'Struck by the beauty of the city'

The presence of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Naples "is a sign of great concern for the city," said Luigi de Magistris, mayor of Naples, at the end of a tour of the historic center of the Neapolitan capital alongside Steinmeier. De Magistris presented him with a pennant from the City of Naples and a plaque with the inscription: "As a sign of profound gratitude, infinite esteem, and friendship, on the occasion of his kind and welcome visit." "We are very proud of his visit, a full day in our city," he stated, "and Mattarella is also in Naples today. I saw the German president very taken with the historic center of Naples, with its beauty and humanity," he added. "I saw how he lingered at the Veiled Christ, and now he continues his visit with many more stops. This is a testament to how Naples is now in the international spotlight," he explained. "And for this, I express my gratitude to the President of the Republic of our country."
“Visits like these are born precisely because there are so many collaborations,” de Magistris emphasized. “With Goethe, for example. Naples historically, but I must say especially in recent years, has increased its international role,” continued the Neapolitan mayor. “This is a city with a strong identity, but one that wants to meet with the peoples of the world. We are in the heart of the Mediterranean and these international relations are fundamental.” “I perceived, even in speaking with the president, that there is a strong sense of how Naples is changing in recent years,” he emphasized. “I believe that this is an important fact and that it is being grasped by the country that is the main economic, institutional and political power in Europe, and it is a very significant signal for our city.” “What you perceive is the effervescence and cultural quality, a great change in terms of humanity and the city,” he continued. It is the sign of what is happening in Naples: the cultural rebirth is perceived in all parts of the world - he said -. I believe it is a sign that does not eliminate the problems of the city, which are many, but are very strong". "Just look at the many German tourists who stopped the president - he concluded - an image that 7/8 years ago could not even be built with a small painting because no one would have believed it"