Rome, 19-21 February 2025
The 19th Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) was officially inaugurated February 19 in Rome. The opening ceremony took place at the Chamber of Deputies, on February 20 where the President, Hon. Lorenzo Fontana, extended a warm welcome to the participants.
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.
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. Senator Pier Ferdinando Casini, Honorary President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, also spoke, highlighting the role of parliamentary diplomacy in addressing global challenges. The discussions followed with – among the others – the intervention of the Order of Malta’s representative Amb. Alberto di Luca:
“Excellencies, Honorable Parliamentarians,
It is a great honor for me to address you today, representatives of the Parliaments of the Mediterranean area, particularly now after the touching words of Sen. Marie-Arlette Carlotti about “trafficking in persons in times of compound crises in the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf regions”
For nearly a thousand years, our Order has been engaged in humanitarian, medical, and relief activities worldwide, without distinction of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation.
Our neutrality and independence have allowed us, since last spring, to provide aid to territories affected by the crisis and conflicts in the Holy Land.
In particular, I would like to highlight an important project that we are carrying out in collaboration with the “Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem”. From May 2024 to today, more than 300 tons of food aid have been delivered to thousands of families.
This project represents a tangible sign of our commitment to peace and to supporting the most vulnerable communities in a region of great significance for the three major monotheistic religions. Thanks to Malteser International, the Order of Malta OMDP Foundation, and the support of several Embassies of the Order, including the one to the Principality of Monaco, we have been able to provide timely relief and assistance to populations in need.
The Order of Malta is recognized—in the 120 countries where it is present—for its humanitarian diplomacy, based on principles of impartiality and neutrality. In a world often divided by tensions and conflicting interests, our commitment is solely dedicated to human dignity and the right to humanitarian assistance.
Even those countries that have not yet officially recognized the Order of Malta are observing our work with growing interest, acknowledging us as a reliable and impartial actor in international dialogue. Our ability to act beyond political divisions, with the sole objective of providing aid to those in need, positions us as a bridge for peace and cooperation in a region as complex as it is crucial for the future of humanity.
I thank you for your attention and for the opportunity to share our commitment with you.
Thank you.”
