Welcome, everyone!
Firstly, I want to extend my gratitude to Nikos for his outstanding work in organizing this event, which comes at a critical moment. Here we are in Paphos, just a stone’s throw away from Gaza and Lebanon, making the discussions on the Middle East situation even more pertinent. The presence of His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan has added immense value to our conversations, given his crucial role in mediating peace. Jordan’s contributions, especially in supporting initiatives like ‘Food for Gaza’, have been indispensable.
Our focus during the Med9 meetings, along with King Abdullah II, has been on achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as ensuring the release of Israeli hostages and providing aid to civilian populations. These steps are fundamental for any lasting solution in the region, based on the principle of two peoples in two states.
Italy remains committed to the situation in Lebanon, closely monitoring the safety of our military personnel engaged in UN missions. The recent attacks on UNIFIL headquarters and Italian bases by Israeli forces are unacceptable, and we have lodged strong protests with the Israeli authorities, in coordination with our partners from France and Spain.
Additionally, we are working on initiatives to strengthen the Lebanese armed forces during the upcoming G7 defence ministers’ meeting. The Mediterranean region remains a priority for Italy, and we appreciate Ursula von der Leyen’s dedication to a future pact for the region. Through our collaboration with the EU and the Med9, we aim to manage migration flows effectively and enhance partnerships with countries of origin and transit.
On the topic of innovation, the new agreement between Italy and Albania will play a significant role in managing migration flows and combating human trafficking. We also emphasized the importance of enhancing European competitiveness by simplifying regulations, attracting private investments, and accelerating progress in key sectors like technology, defense, and agriculture.
In conclusion, it’s imperative to not only have a vision for the future but also the courage and resources to turn that vision into reality. Let’s continue working together towards a more prosperous and secure future. Thank you.
