On 14 May, the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Franco Frattini paid a visit to the CEI Headquarters in Trieste and met with CEI Secretary General, Ambassador Gerhard Pfanzelter.
Minister Frattini confirmed the support of Italy to the Central European Initiative and expressed appreciation for the work of the international group of experts on the strengthening of the CEI, chaired by Hon. Roberto Antonione.
The group is currently elaborating a set of recommendations to be tabled at the CEI Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs taking place in Montenegro in June.
Minister Frattini and Ambassador Pfanzelter exchanged views on regional cooperation in Europe and on strengthening the role of the CEI and the Autonomous Region Friuli Venezia Giulia. They also referred to the prospect of holding high level meetings in Trieste, such as the Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of all CEI Members States, focusing on topical issues having high political relevance, e.g. security and energy.
The day before, the Italian Council of Ministers had approved a bill, proposed by Minister Frattini, for the ratification and execution of the revised CEI - Executive Secretariat Headquarters agreement. This reflects Italy’s interest in enhancing the role of the CEI in the region.
From Left: Min. Frattini and Amb. Pfanzelter at CEI Headquarters