Rome, February the 20th

The 19th Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) was officially inaugurated today in Rome. The opening ceremony took place at the Chamber of Deputies, where the President, Hon. Lorenzo Fontana, extended a warm welcome to the participants. The Opening Ceremony has been honored by video messages from H.E. Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, and H.E. Paul R. Gallagher, Secretary for the Holy See’s Relations with States and International Organizations.

Among the distinguished speakers, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Antonio Tajani, addressed the assembly, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation and diplomatic dialogue. Also taking the floor was Senator Pier Ferdinando Casini, Honorary President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, who emphasized the role of parliamentary diplomacy in addressing global challenges. The plenary session brings together over 300 parliamentarians from 31 Countries across the Mediterranean and Gulf region, to discuss key issues affecting the area, including peace, security, economic development, and humanitarian cooperation.

Further discussions – including the intervention of the Order of Malta’s representative Amb. Alberto di Luca – are expected over the coming days, reaffirming PAM’s commitment to fostering peace, stability, and prosperity in the Mediterranean region.