(see related) (ANSA) - ROME, JUN 7 - An exhibition inaugurated by Italian President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Wednesday "honours the historic ties between France and Italy", according to a statement from the Élysée palace.
    Mattarella and Macron opened the the exhibition 'Naples in Paris' at the Louvre.
    In the statement the French presidency stressed the "relationship of trust and friendship" between the two presidents, but also the "exceptional ties that unite" Italy and France.
    Subtitled 'The Louvre hosts the Capodimonte Museum', the exhibition running until January 8, 2024, includes around 60 masterpieces from the permanent collection housed in the former Bourbon palace, one of Italy's largest and most important picture galleries.
    Mattarella and Macron began their tour in front of 'The Transfiguration' by Renaissance master Giovanni Bellini.
    Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano, also present, described the exhibition as "magnificent and told Macron he had invited his French counterpart for a ride around his home city of Naples on a Vespa.
    "It's an excellent idea," the French president replied. (ANSA).