KUWAIT: Italy’s Ambassador to Kuwait Lorenzo Morini said dialogue is the only way out and an effective solution for the current war threatening to engulf the region. "We are fully convinced that the basis for resolving the current situation is to de-escalate the conflict, and after that, we can find a long-term solution within the framework of the UN Charter and resolutions,” he told reporters during a meeting Saturday. "We have more than a thousand soldiers in the coalition in Lebanon, and we will not leave until the UN resolutions are implemented, and we have repeatedly called for de-escalation in the region with our European partners and also the G7 partners.”
He highlighted the presence of approximately 400 Italian soldiers in Kuwait in the framework of the anti-ISIS coalition, explaining that they are monitoring the situation in the region, calling on all parties to refrain from any action or activity that could be harmful to the stability and unity of the region. "We are ready to do everything we can, but always within the framework of international law, the United Nations and UN resolutions.”
According to Morini, there is coordination with the Kuwaiti side in terms of monitoring the area, as the Italian forces have a surveillance system that they use to monitor the coalition’s area of jurisdiction. "We need full coordination with the Kuwaiti army, especially the air force. We are working on training Eurofighter pilots, and we are also responsible for delivering Eurofighter aircraft,” he said.
Cultural festival
Morini met with the press to announce that the Italian Embassy is launching a series of diverse cultural activities during the period from October 28 to November 5, in celebration of the Italian Unity and Armed Forces Day, which falls on November 4 every year.
Morini pointed out that the events will include a series of events that will focus on Italian fashion designers, jewelry, artists, food and chocolate makers, in addition to other related elements to clearly present the Italian lifestyle to the Kuwaiti public. The activities come within the framework of the "A Journey into Italian Creativity” festival, which aims to showcase some aspects of Italian excellences in art, fashion, design and culture. He said the festival is part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and support and deepen the strong bonds of friendship between the Italian and Kuwaiti people.
Morini shared some highlights of the cultural festival, which will begin on October 28 with a classical concert by the "Filarmonici di Roma”, a famous Italian string quintet. The quintet will present a selection of masterpieces by the most important Italian composers such as Vivaldi, Rossini, Tartini, Pergolesi and Respighi. The concert will be open to the public, free of charge, and will be held at the American University of Kuwait Theater.
"The National Unity and Armed Forces Day is a celebration of the end of World War I and the liberation of Italy, as well as a tribute to the Italian Armed Forces and recognition of the role of the Italian soldiers who fought to liberate Italy and are still working for peace and stability in the international community,” he said. An event to celebrate Italian Unity and Armed Forces Day will be held on November 5 at the Regency Hotel. Morini said that some Italian chefs will be present to give cooking lessons in some hotels.
An art exhibition titled "A Dawn of Peace” which reflects Kuwaiti-Italian cooperation will be held as part of the festival on November 4 in the ambassador’s residence. The exhibit will also be open to the public.
He elaborated on cultural commonalities between Kuwait and Italy, saying: "When I arrived in Kuwait, I felt like I was in my country because the way Kuwaitis speak, the way they communicate with people, and the way they receive them is very similar to the Italian way of life.” He added: "We are similar, we live in a very similar way and we all share the same value for the same basic elements of life. This is also the reason why many Kuwaitis travel to Italy every year because when you arrive in Italy, you may not understand the language, but they will understand you and you will understand immediately”.
Morini also pointed out that around 160 Kuwaiti students went to study in Italian universities during the last 5 years, adding that the number is not enough and indicating that many do not realize that there are Italian universities that offer full courses in English.