Barack Obama Tells Outgoing Renzi Italy Will Remain Close Ally

Washington: US President Barack Obama called Italy's outgoing Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on Tuesday to talk about this week's referendum and assure him that Italy will remain a close ally of the United States, the White House said.

Renzi on Monday said he would resign after suffering a defeat in a referendum on constitutional reform. Obama told Renzi that the relationship of the two countries was based on overlapping objectives on issues including climate change, the global refugee crisis, global security and fostering inclusive economic growth. Obama, who is slated to leave office on January 20, thanked Renzi for his friendship and partnership on those issues.