Italy and Israel’s close relations, common efforts to intensify economic and technological cooperation and topical Middle East issues were the main focus of a strategic dialogue today in Jerusalem, where Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Michele Valensise met with Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Israel Zeev Elkin. The meeting was also in preparation for the upcoming Italo-Israeli summit in Turin.
Growth initiatives a common interest, says Valensise
Secretary General Valensise led the Italian delegation in this strategic dialogue with Israel, during which he had a broad exchange of views with Deputy Minister Elkinon Israeli-Palestinian talks and on the importance of Italo-Israeli relations, which could receive an additional boost at the upcoming bilateral summit. The strategic dialogue, whose participants included Secretary General Rafael Barak and his deputy Ran Curiel, also touched on common economic growth initiatives. “We examined possibilities for collaboration in highly innovative and promising sectors such as energy, start-ups and cyber-security where there is a strong common interest”, stated Ambassador Valensise, “and we also confronted major Middle East concerns that included the Syrian crisis”.
Valensise at the “Watec” conference on new water resources technologies
The Secretary General also participated in the Watec conference in Tel Aviv on innovative water resources technologies at the head of an expert Italian business delegation. Ambassador Valensise examined new industrial initiatives and science and technology collaboration projects, outlining Italy’s commitment in its preparations for EXPO Milano 2015 where Israel will have a prominent role.
