ROME, July 08, SPA -- President Barack Obama is praising historic American ties with Italy, saying the two countries arecooperating in a number of areas, including Afghanistan. Following private talks with President Giorgio Napolitanobefore joining the G-8 summit of industrialized nations,Obama called Italy «a great friend of the United States.» Obama, joined by Napolitano after their meeting, said thetwo countries «are working hand in hand in places likeAfghanistan to ensure that we're isolating extremists andstrengthening the forces of moderation around the world.» Obama said he looked forward to taking up weighty issueslike the economy and global warming at the summit and said«these are all issues in which the Italian government hasalready shown extraordinary leadership,» according to a report of The Associated Press.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/682494