We are honored today to celebrate the establishment of the Italian Republic, of all places in Israel, the country with which we share the bond of courageous friendship, rooted in long-lasting mutual dialogue that is the bedrock of our two peoples. One only needs to be reminded of the ties between the two nationalist movements and the inspiration provided by the Italian unification, the “Risorgimento,” and Zionism.

The Italian Ambassador to Israel, Mr. Talo, and his wife receive an explanation from the Director of the MDA Blood Services, Prof. Shinar Jan2013 – Photo Courtesy Israel’s MDA

These feelings are reflected in our excellent relations, which continue to unify both peoples. It is our duty to breathe life into the Mediterranean’s role as a basin of dialogue and cultural development. The ancient ties shared by Israelis and Italians offer the ability to cultivate ideas and actions for the betterment of the entire region.

Italy is an important friend of Israel, a bridge over the Mediterranean and a gateway to Europe. This duty characterizes our bond, based on shared values and the desire to create a region of peace, security and prosperity in the Mediterranean basin.

We have therefore decided that the event to celebrate our national holiday will not only present Italy and its strong connections with Israel, but will be an opportunity to strengthen our belief in industrial, scientific and technological cooperation and the great potential this holds for the younger generation throughout the region.

Italy and Israel are deeply invested in cooperating in innovative fields such as communications, nanotechnology, biotechnology, the study of the brain, water resources and local agriculture. We have recently added alternate energy resources and space exploration to the list. The event’s motto is: “Italy meets Israel — the sky is not the limit!”

Our work together is carried out along three lines: economic growth, culture and science. This is the guiding principle driving our national holiday celebration event. On May 28 we hosted Shenkar’s (school of design) international board of governors at the ambassador’s residence. On Monday we will host a seminar on the study of the brain at the Peres Center for Peace, which will honor the memory of Nobel Prize winner for medicine, Rita Levi-Montalcini. The seminar will deal with scientific achievements and their contribution to society, and will honor young scientists from developing countries who until now have received minimal opportunities to help their countries grow.

The “Expo Milano 2015” event to be held in Milan, titled “Nourishing the Planet — Energy for Life,” will showcase to the world Israel’s impressive ability to meld scientific research with social development.

Italy is among Israel’s most important partners in the areas of commerce and research. Culture, science, economic growth — our cultures have offered the world art and knowledge for hundreds of years, with man at the center. At the basis of these cultures is a fundamental curiosity which promotes scientific research that in turn leads to the creation of economic growth.

It is important to mention the meetings between our younger generations, which are a testament to our friendship — the result of mutual familiarity forged by language studies and visits facilitated by exchange programs.

Our goal is for as many Italians as possible — youngsters, researchers, entrepreneurs — to visit Israel and vice versa. To this end we offer Israelis the vitality and abundance of culture that is found in our cities.

The Mayor of Turin, Piero Fassino, is currently visiting Israel. On June 4, the Italian Cultural Institute will open an exhibit at the Haifa Cinematheque about the city’s culture and its central landmark: The “Mole Antonelliana” building. Originally conceived and constructed as a synagogue, it was, for a time, the tallest stone structure in the world and now houses the “Museo Nazionale del Cinema” (National Museum of Cinema).

The Italy-Israel Fund for Culture and the Arts was established to promote selected projects and support the enterprising spirit and creativity shared by the youth of both countries.

With joy and excitement, I hereby declare: Long live Italy, long live Israel — even the sky is not the limit for our friendship!

View original Israel Hayom publication at: http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_opinion.php?id=4525