Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has asked the Permanent Commission of Congress to ratify Genaro Lozano Valencia as the country’s next ambassador to Italy. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already granted its formal agrément, clearing the way for the appointment, which also carries concurrent accreditation to Albania, Malta and San Marino. Lozano, an international relations scholar and television political analyst, is scheduled to appear on Wednesday, 20 August, before congressional committees in the morning; a final vote by the full Permanent Commission is expected later the same day. If confirmed, he will replace career diplomat Carlos García de Alba, who is set to leave the post on 22 August.