Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak attends Italian Embassy reception on National Day.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, last night attended a reception hosted by Libirio Stellino, Italian Ambassador to the UAE, on the occasion of his country's National Day, in the presence of Zaki Nusseibeh, Minister of State.

The Government of Italy is committed to continuing to develop the "blossoming" of its relationship with the United Arab Emirates, the Italian Ambassador said.

Speaking at a reception to celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the creation of the Italian Republic in 1946, Stellino cited a wide range of recent developments in UAE-Italy relations, including the signature of an oilfield development contract between Italian oil firm ENI and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, ADNOC, the commitment by Italy to take part in EXPO2020 in Dubai and the strengthening of the defence relationship.

"You can realise," he told guests, "the excellent level of the bilateral relations in all fields and our firm commitment to an even more articulated blossoming of such a multi-dimensional partnership."

Referring to the late Sheikh Zayed as "a wise and visionary leader," Stellini went on to say that: "In the Year of Zayed, we want therefore to reaffirm to the enlightened leadership of this country, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan, President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the promise to honour his memory and his legacy with a new bouquet of quality projects aimed at furthermore enriching the special relationship between Italy and UAE."

Amongst these, he said, would be the opening of the first Italian International School in Abu Dhabi and the creation of the Italian Institute of Culture, also be based in Abu Dhabi.

The Ambassador went on to refer to some of the current challenges facing Italy, and, more generally, the Mediterranean, describing these as being "first of all to fight against terrorism and violent extremism, as well as smuggling and trafficking of human beings; secondly, to find a way for a sustainable joint governance of the large flows of migrants and refugees we still experience; third, to devote concrete attention towards the opportunities arising from integration policies for growth, sustainable developments, peace and stability in the region."

"We are convinced," he added, "that the Mediterranean counts nowadays three shores, the northern, the southern and the Gulf. We know that in the latter one we can rely upon a global multifaceted partnership, a strategic alliance and strong bonds of friendship with Abu Dhabi and the UAE. "

The reception was also attended by diplomats, businessmen, other guests and members of the UAE’s Italian community.

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