JEDDAH, 8 March 2006 — An Italian diplomat said yesterday that the move proposed by the Kingdom and some Western countries to prevent the recurrence of blasphemous cartoons should be considered in all its seriousness.
International organizations such as the European Union and the Organization of the Islamic Conference should discuss the issue and together impress on the UN to take corrective steps so that religious sentiments of the people the world over are not hurt, Italian Ambassador Eugenio d’Auria told Arab News in an interview.
“Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has appreciated the measures taken by our country’s leaders as regards the cartoon issue,” said d’Auria, who was on his first visit to the Western Province after he presented his credentials to the king in Riyadh a few days ago.
On preparations for the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) to be held in Riyadh in May, d’Auria said that the foreign ministers of the two countries would chair the sessions. Italy has strong presence in the Eastern Province, with some major Italian companies working in cooperation with Saudi Aramco.
“The JEC will afford an opportunity to expand bilateral trade,” he said, adding that Italy is strong in building industry and expects to take advantage of the booming real estate sector here.
Some of Italy’s 21 regions are good in agriculture and hence can be useful for the Kingdom’s farms both in terms of know-how and technology, he said.
“We’re keen that regular cultural exchanges take place among researchers and experts between the two countries. We’re particularly interested in exchanging growing Islamic influence in Italy, especially the southern part of the country, and our rich cultural influence in the Kingdom and elsewhere in the Middle East,” the ambassador said, adding that with the country’s immigrants from Tunisia and Morocco its experience of dealing with Islamic countries goes back to many centuries.
Italy is also keen to encourage exchange of news between the agencies and journalists of the two countries.
“Our relations with the Kingdom are good, but the tie-up is limited and needs to be expanded,” he said.
One of Italy’s moves is to encourage Saudi students visit the country for education, especially courses in Italian language.
“We also offer English-language courses for postgraduate students in faculties such as engineering, fine arts, and business and economic management,” he added.
With Italy’s wide experience in archaeology through collaborations all over the Mediterranean region, it can offer new programs in archaeology for Saudis.
Italian missions need nine working days for issuing visas. “We even grant a ‘natural visa’ for Saudis for health reasons,” he said.
