The excellent state of bilateral relations, at the political, economic and cultural levels, and the latest developments in the eastern Mediterranean. These were the principal issues discussed at today’s meeting at the Farnesina between Foreign Minister Emma Bonino and the Speaker of the Knesset (the Israeli Parliament), Yuli-Yoel Edelstein.
Committed stance against religious intolerance and racial hatred
In underscoring Italy’s sound relationship with Israel and the importance of the forthcoming bilateral Intergovernmental Summit on 2 December 2013 in Turin, Minister Bonino stressed Italy’s committed stance against religious intolerance and racial hatred.
“Italy has always been in the front line against anti-Semitism”, declared the Minister. She pointed out, for example, the provisions introduced by the Italian Parliament in recent years and the establishment in 2000 of the “Day of Remembrance” to commemorate the tragedy of the Shoah.
Syria, Egypt and the Iranian nuclear dossier the focus of the meeting
The meeting also provided an opportunity for Minister Bonino and Mr. Edelstein to exchange views on Israeli-EU relations, the situation in Egypt and the Sinai, progress in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the Iranian nuclear dossier, in the wake of the new signals of dialogue from Tehran.
