ROME – Italian PM Matteo Renzi has praised the decision of the Scottish people to remain in the UK as a triumph for diversity.

Speaking on Friday as the results of the Scottish Independence referendum were announced, Renzi lauded the democratic process and the result as evidence that nations can appreciate diversity without becoming fragmented. He predicted that “the EU will certainly benefit from a renewed commitment of the United Kingdom to strengthening our common action.”

In a direct statement to David Cameron, Renzi added “The Italian government renews its strong desire to strengthen and consolidate its relationship with your government on bilateral, European, and international levels.”

Former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta tweeted: “Scotland has decided. Good for us and good for Europe. Now let’s not ignore the intolerance and fears which encourage seperatists.”

The triumph of the No Campaign was announced this morning at around 6.10am GMT, in total 55.3 percent of Scottish voters said no to independence against 44.7 percent who voted yes. In the wake of the result, the British Pound strengthened against both the U.S Dollar and the Euro.

The Corriere della Sera meanwhile ran the headline “Il Regno resta Unito ma cambia comunque” (The Kingdom remains united but will still change.)