On the occasion of his official visit to the United States, Antonio TAJANI, EP President, meets with EU Delegation Staff, in Washington.

TAJANI, Antonio (EPP, IT)

meeting

EU - USA (T)

official visit

Washington

Official visit by Antonio TAJANI, EP President to Washington: meeting with EU Delegation Staff

SOUNDBITE (English), David O&apos;SULLIVAN, EU Ambassador to the US , Dear colleagues, President Tajani, it is our great honour to welcome you here to the EU delegation on the occassion of your mission as the President of the European Parliament to Washington. 

SOUNDBITE (English), David O'SULLIVAN, EU Ambassador to the US , And so we really are representative of the full spectrum of European Union activities and we are delighted to have the opportunity to hear a few words from you Mr. President, particularly. The European Parliament is always an important point of democratic reference for our Union. But particularly as we look towards the European Parliament elections in May, which is the subject of much discussion and speculation here in Washington. So without any further due, I give you the floor and once again thank you for taking the time to speak with us. 

SOUNDBITE (English), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, Good afternoon everybody. First of all I want to thank the Ambassador O'Sullivan for his work, for organsing this trip to the United States for the delegation of the European Parliament. We are not alone. There is a delegation working with the Congress. But also for my meetings in Washington and New York. I want to thank the ambassador O'Sullivan for his remarkable contribution in the European integration process. He is one of the best European ambassadors of the world. Thank you very much for your work. You are leaving but I think you will stay in Brussels with us. 

SOUNDBITE (English), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, You have played a very important role because in this moment, the United States is very important for the European Union. The goal of my trip to the States is to strengthen the relations in this difficult moment. There are problems on trade policy, but we need to have a common policy to achieve good solutions for these small problems. 

SOUNDBITE (English), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, We are close to the new European elections and you will vote.

SOUNDBITE (English), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, Brexit decision, probably they will decide to postpone Brexit. We will vote on it in probably two months. From March to the beginning of July or end of June. These are crucial points for Europe. 

SOUNDBITE (English), Antonio TAJANI, EP President,Thank you very much for your work, for your engagement. Thank you ambassador O'Sullivan. Thank you very much. We are very happy as European Parliament for your work as the European Ambassador to the United States. Thank you very much. 

Shot of President Tajani shaking hands with the EU ambassador to the US. An applause is also heard after his speech. 