ROME – The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched its new virtual assistant “chatbot”, intended to provide “a very wide range” of services to both Italian nationals and foreign citizens.

 The chatbot can be found on the Foreign Ministry’s website, esteri.it.

 The Secretary General of Foreign Affairs, Riccardo Guariglia, presided over the launch event on Thursday. Speaking at the event, he said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is “among the very first Italian administrations to be equipped with such a tool.”

 While personally testing the virtual assistant, Guariglia reminded the audience that “digital innovation and the quality of services” were two main focuses on Foreign Minister Tajani “since his first days at the Ministry.”

 This chatbot comes after a complete update of the ministry’s website.

 Director General for Public and Cultural Diplomacy, Alessandro De Pedys explained “the contents have been developed from a careful analysis of questions frequently addressed to the Public Relations Office and to the Offices abroad.”

 The interface simulates a typical conversation and is aimed to guide the user to their desired information through predetermined question and answers. The content can be adjusted by users to suit individual locations.

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