11th Conference of Ambassadors, Rome, 27-28 July 2015

On 27 and 28 July 2015, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the 11th Conference of Ambassadors, which gathered 131 Italian Heads of Mission. The main theme of the event, attended by Ambassador Mariangela Zappia, revolved around the diplomacy for Italy (La diplomazia per l’Italia) and represented an opportunity for a wide reflection on current geo-political scenarios and the international role of Italy. The commitment to the stabilization of Lebanon, Libya and Tunisia, the deal on Iran nuclear plan and the resumption of peace negotiations on Israeli-Palestinian conflict are just a few examples. Security and fight against terrorism were also discussed, while the relevance of the Mediterranean area as the core of the Italian foreign policy was further underlined. The conference, subdivided into various sessions, allowed for an assessment of the Italian diplomacy at the service of citizens and national interests abroad.

The current international scenario is more and more complex and full of challenges: within this framework, the Italian diplomacy represents a fundamental instrument to promote the so-called Sistema Italia.

The address of the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, underscored the importance of pursuing a foreign policy characterized by high ideals and strategic vision. Among the main challenges for the Italian foreign policy, he highlighted issues such as migration, Daesh uprising and escalation of religious terrorism. While expressing satisfaction for the candidacy of Italy for a non-permanent member seat in the UN Security Council in 2017-2018, the President stressed how bilateral dialogue and cooperation in the framework of the EU, UN and NATO are the drive of Italian foreign policy.

In the wake of the strategic lines outlined by President Sergio Mattarella, Minister Gentiloni reaffirmed how europeism, atlantism and openness to dialogue remain the guiding light of the Italian foreign policy. In this respect, politics should take its revenge: it is important to maintain an open and constructive dialogue with Russia and engage this country in all international issues. We need a political Europe for the Mediterranean, which is not the Southern border of the EU, but rather the geographical contour of Europe as a whole.

At the end of this two-day event, Prime Minister Matteo Renzi recalled the importance of diplomacy as a heritage of ideal, cultural and spiritual values. The Mediterranean, which should represent the heart of the European foreign policy – as is the case in Italy – was at the core of Renzi’s analysis. Europe must not turn away from this area: in fact, it must assume its own responsibilities as a leading continent. Lastly, President Renzi expressed his wish that, on the occasion of the G7 in 2017, Italy – which is a point of reference in this respect – might announce an increase in the funds allocated to international cooperation.

Photo Gallery
Video: Diplomacy for Italy (Italian audio only) 
Video: Conclusions (Italian audio only)
Video: Speech by President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella (Italian audio only)
Video: Speech by Prime Minister Matteo Renzi (Italian audio only)
Speech by Minister Gentiloni (Full text, Italian only)
Article taken from “Il Sole 24 Ore”