Italy has officially become a member of the Friends of Mediation Group and will participate in the group’s summit in February in Istanbul.
The group, which was formed on the initiative of Finland and Turkey and has the support of President of the General Assembly Nassir Abdulaziz Al Nasser, has the aim of fostering the use of mediation as an instrument for the prevention and peaceful resolution of disputes. Its members include Japan, Germany, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Mexico, Belgium and Brazil, and the regional organisations represented include the African Union, Arab League, ASEAN, the European Union, OSA, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and OSCE.
“This is a major achievement for Italy and its international role”, Minister for Foreign Affairs Giulio Terzi asserted. “Italy”, he continued, “has extensive experience in this sector and intends to encourage the use of mediation as the main route to the resolution of international conflicts and crisis”.
