Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has congratulated Romano Prodi on the victory of his centre-left coalition in the Italian general election and remarked on the warm relations that exist between Ireland and Italy.
Mr Prodi's victory over prime minister Silvio Berlusconi in last week's election was confirmed by the Italian supreme court today.
"During my time as Taoiseach, I have had the pleasure of working with Romano both during his previous period as Italian Prime Minister and from 1999 to 2004, when he presided over the European Commission," Mr Ahern said.
"I particularly recall his help and wise counsel during Ireland's Presidency of the European Union, when we collaborated closely together. Ireland and Italy enjoy very warm bilateral relations, and I am writing to the Prime Minister-elect to say how much I look forward to working with him again. I am sure the European Union as a whole will also benefit from his considerable experience as we face the many challenges ahead."
Mr Ahern said he wished to record his thanks to Silvio Berlusconi "for his support and friendship over the past five years".
"He was a constructive and helpful colleague in Europe, and I wish him well in the future."