Prime Minister of Italy Mario Draghi thanked Angela Merkel for playing a key role in shaping the future of the European Union (EU) during Merkel's final visit to Rome as the German Chancellor.

His remarks come to light at the conclusion of what likely was Merkel's last official meeting with Italy's top officials, as she prepares to leave the position as soon as a new German federal government is formed following the recent parliamentary election. In turn, Angela Merkel noted that Draghi had played an essential role in safeguarding the euro.

"I thank the Chancellor on behalf of the government and myself personally for the decisive role she has had in designing the future of Europe" over the past 16 years, Draghi said at a joint press conference here on Thursday. "I believe the euro symbolises our (EU) unity, therefore no effort has to be spared to further strengthen and develop it and there is still much to be done in this field," she told reporters.

Merkel's discussions with Draghi touched on other issues, such as the goals of the G20, whose rotating presidency is held by Italy this year; the need to boost Covid-19 vaccine supplies across the world; and the situation in Afghanistan, on which Germany and Italy hold the same position. Both leaders also talked over climate change and environmental protection in view of the major UN Climate Change Conference (or COP26) to be held in Glasgow between October 31 and November 12.

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