President of the Italian Republic, H E Sergio Mattarella (centre) with other leaders at the event.
Fiuggi, Italy: The 10th edition of the Rome MED –Mediterranean Dialogues 2024 kicked off on Monday in Rome in presence of the President of the Italian Republic, H E Sergio Mattarella, the Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H E Antonio Tajani, and the President of ISPI, Franco Bruni and several foreign ministers of Arab and non-Arab countries and high-profile diplomates.
Speakers at the opening session were the Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, and the President of ISPI, Franco Bruni; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan, Eyman Safadi; Minister of Foreign Affairs, of Egypt, Badr Abdelatty; Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Lebanon Abdallah Bou Habib; Minister of Foreign Affairs of India Subrahmanyam Jaishankar; Secretary General of Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit,
The three-day conference is featuring over 40 panels, several closed-door sessions and more than 200 speakers with the participation of over 2000 delegates.
The Middle East is facing a challenging time said ISPI president while welcoming the participants “I am sending said my deepest gratitude to all the participants," he added..
The Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, highlighted the ongoing war on Gaza and Lebanon calling on the international community not to give up to restore peace and security. He pointed out that “Italy is working with partners to achieve ceasefire in Gaz, to ensure food supply as a part of the solidarity campaign aimed at bring food to Gaza. He said priority of his country is to ensure building peace, and work with partners to ensure security and safety of marine trade, adding that his country has taken several initiatives to help Africa in particular in the field of Education.
This high-profile gathering on Mediterranean affairs is an annual event organized by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in collaboration with ISPI (Italian Institute for International Political Studies). This gathering seeks to redefine traditional perspectives on the Mediterranean by fostering innovative solutions and drafting a “positive agenda” for the region. This agenda addresses pressing security and socio-economic challenges through collaborative visions and actions.
Egyptian Foreign and Emigration Minister Badr Abdelatty said during the opening this conference is being held during a critical stage as the Mediterranean countries are facing serious security and political challenges, particularly in light of the real threat to peace and security in the Middle East region as a result of the year-long aggression against the Gaza Strip, and the blatant violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty.
He underlined the position of Egyptian that is based on the necessity of reaching an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, the release of hostages and detainees, and unimpeded access to humanitarian aid.
Abdelatty also stressed the importance of the transition to finding a political horizon to implement the two-state solution, noting that Cairo will host a “Call for Action” conference to strengthen the humanitarian response in Gaza. The conference will be held on December 2. The Mediterranean region has significant economic potential that should be utilised within the framework of a real partnership between the Mediterranean countries with the view to achieving mutual interests, he added.
Abdelatty touched on the unresolved issue of migration, stressing Egypt’s full commitment to combating illegal migration within the framework of a comprehensive approach that addresses its root causes.
Speaking about the situation in the Red Sea he pointed out that his country is one of the most affected because of the current escalation in the Red Sea and interruption of international ship traffic. The decline in revenues from the Suez Canal is very high said.
Minister of State for International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates Reem Ebrahim Al Hashimy, emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian efforts and conflict resolution in the face of escalating global violence. It highlights the disproportionate impact of conflicts on civilians, especially vulnerable groups like the elderly and women, and stresses the importance of immediate actions such as ceasefires, the facilitation of humanitarian aid, and the protection of civilians. The UAE’s commitment to humanitarian aid is showcased, with the nation emerging as a leading global donor and emphasizing the integration of humanitarian considerations into decision-making processes.
The speaker also underscores the importance of resolving conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, through political dialogue to prevent further human suffering and instability. The broader message calls for greater global attention to lesser-known conflicts and a concerted effort to ensure peace, stability, and a better future for the next generation.
