Courtesy translation
The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, for the XV Conference of Italian Ambassadors, bearing the title “Italian diplomacy serving the Country in a changing world”, has sent the following message:
«Dear Minister,
Esteemed Authorities,
Madam Ambassadors and Mister Ambassadors,
regretfully, I cannot attend in person the XV Conference of Italian Ambassadors, as I would have wanted.
I wish to express my sincere appreciation, to all of you, for the work you carry out on a daily basis with great dedication and sense of statehood.
The Conference is, above all, an important opportunity to take stock of the situation and to reflect on foreign policy priorities in “a changing world” – quoting the title aptly given to this conference – in which international relations and their consequences, including the pathological reach of conflicts between States, affect us ever more closely.
The Russian Federation’s brutal aggression against Ukraine has jeopardised the rules on which we have based our peaceful coexistence. An order based on the respect of international law.
In this historical moment, diplomacy faces the challenging task of preserving this hard-won heritage, whose bastions are the European integration process and the multilateral system represented by the United Nations, as well as our firm place in the framework of the Atlantic Alliance. Human dignity and respect for the individual person are at the heart of this system of values, which is now being trampled on in many regions of the world. What is currently happening in Iran exceeds all limits and can by no means be overlooked.
In such a scenario, crises are becoming increasingly global in terms of extent and reach; consequently, our response must absolutely be a multilateral one in order to be effective. Indeed, that is the vocation the Republic has expressed for over seventy years – something that is enshrined in our Constitution.
Climate change, widespread poverty, the growing threat of food insecurity and a proper management of migration flows all require, now more than ever, greater interaction between States and more effective multilateralism. In short, more diplomacy.
The conflict is also dangerously affecting global economic relations. In such a context, I am certain that the diplomatic corps will continue to support the actions we are striving to complete to diversify energy procurement sources while also supporting the extensive presence abroad of our productive system, which much of our wealth will depend on in the future.
In this broad concept of diplomacy – which encompasses great political and economic challenges – providing support to our cultural system (meaning the cultural value per se, as well as culture as an instrument of diplomacy capable of consolidating our cultural influence, which the world looks to with interest and admiration) and the theme of Cooperation are both strategically relevant. It could not be otherwise, considering our history and our traditions.
As usual, we shall assiduously and intelligently participate in the foremost international talks. We surely do not lack the ability to make national interests meet the broader interests of the progress of the entire international community.
Such a capacity for dialogue is precious when our Country runs to host international events, as is the case of Rome’s bid to host Expo 2030.
Finally, I would like to thank you for your tireless work in favour of our fellow nationals abroad. I’m referring both to the many historical communities in several parts of the world and to the communities that have developed more recently, often consisting of highly qualified young men and women, whose commitment helps offer a positive and dynamic image of our Country. The diplomatic-consular network is a key and irreplaceable point of reference for all of them.
While expressing to all of you and your families my warmest wishes for Christmas and for the new year, I would also like to express the Republic’s wholehearted thanks to the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation who work in crisis situations, and in particular to those who are currently working in Kyiv, facing serious risks and distress. »
