A report published on the website of the Corriere della Sera newspaper reports that Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who is chairing the event, stated regarding the presence of his colleagues from both Middle Eastern nations in conflict, that “it is already a lot that they are under the same roof” and “this presence is a hope for peace.”

In statements to the press, the Palestinian Foreign Minister stated the day before that “I will meet with Minister Saar when Israel respects my rights, as a human being and as a State, when there is a true peace process and dialogue,” and clarified that “none of that is present today, and therefore I will not see him.”

Tajani considered it a positive sign that his counterparts from both countries, with whom he met separately, were present at the Royal Palace in Naples for the 11th edition of the Mediterranean Dialogues, sponsored by the Italian Foreign Ministry and the Higher Institute of International Politics (ISPI).

This three-day meeting, considered the Italian Foreign Ministry’s flagship public diplomacy initiative, is attended annually by senior politicians, experts, social leaders, and business leaders to discuss key issues for the Mediterranean and enhance intraregional cooperation.

“It is important that both participate in the same event, for the first time since the ceasefire,” because “their presence here means that something is happening” and is “emblematic of a new phase of hope for peace,” he asserted, while reaffirming “Italy’s commitment to dialogue between the two peoples.”

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