He earned a degree in Economics from the Sacro Cuore Catholic University of Milan in 1967.

13th Legislature: Acting Vice Chairman of the Alleanza Nazionale (National Alliance) Party.

Member of the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry into terrorism in Italy and the failure to identify the perpetrators of attacks.

14th Legislature: Appointed Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (2nd Berlusconi government), with special responsibility for the Mediterranean and Middle East, Africa and Cooperation.

15th Legislature: Member of the 3rd Standing Committee (Foreign Affairs and Emigration) Vice Chairman of the 3rd Standing Committee (Foreign Affairs and Emigration) Member of the Special Committee for the protection and promotion of human rights 16th Legislature: Appointed Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (4th Berlusconi government) 12 May 2008, with special responsibility for bilateral relations with the countries of Europe and the former Soviet countries of Asia and the Caucasus; relations with the institutions of the EU; exercising the presidency of the National Committee for the Promotion of Italian Culture Abroad; general policy regarding Italian communities abroad and their integration and rights; enhancement of the role of Italian business enterprises abroad; and coordination of initiatives aimed at the reinforcement and rationalisation of the consular network.