On the occasion of the 2,500th anniversary of the city’s founding, the Mediterranean Dialogues, a traditional moment of meeting and exchange among the countries bordering this sea, which is a crossroads of cultures and a cradle of civilization, were held in Naples.
Scholars and members of civil society participated alongside representatives of the Institutions. Together we discussed challenges and opportunities, always keeping in mind that geography and history have reserved us a shared future.
Italy, due to its geographical position and its history, plays the natural role of a bridge between the shores of the “wider Mediterranean”. Its centrality in the region calls upon it to promote dialogue among peoples, cultures, and religions, following a millenary tradition of openness, exchange, and cooperation.
There was a strong awareness that the stability and prosperity of the area also require renewed economic cooperation. It is necessary to promote sustainable investments, shared infrastructure, and partnerships to create employment, opportunities, and widespread development, especially for the benefit of young generations.
Despite the inevitable differences in perspectives, everyone without exception expressed their hope for a future of peace, security, and prosperity for the region that we are a part of.
In this spirit, recent developments in the Middle East impose on all peoples of the wider Mediterranean the historical responsibility to build a future of peaceful coexistence on the foundations laid by President Trump’s Plan.
The presence here in Naples of authorities from across the region is for us all a source of inspiration and a confirmation of the need for a common path.
