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UAE, Italy vow to boost partnership

The two top diplomats discussed the friendship relations between the two countries and the potential for developing cooperation in consolidation of their strategic partnership in several fields…reports Asian Lite News

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has met with Antonio Tajani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Italian Republic, as part of his Woking visit to Rome.

The two top diplomats discussed the friendship relations between the two countries and the potential for developing cooperation in consolidation of their strategic partnership in several fields, including the economic, commercial, investment, developmental, and energy sectors.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah stressed the depth of relations between the two countries and their growth and development prospects, noting that the United Arab Emirates and the friendly Italian Republic share a common desire and will to strengthen their partnership and invest in all available resources to push the paths of cooperation towards broader horizons that support their plans to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development.

They also discussed the current developments in the region and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, stressing on the importance of the recent UN Security Council Resolution No. 2728, which calls for a ceasefire and an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

Sheikh Abdullah affirmed the UAE’s keenness to work with Italy and all friendly countries to end extremism, tension, and violence in the region. He pointed to the importance of concerted international efforts to protect the security and safety of all civilians and provide adequate humanitarian support to the Palestinian people to alleviate their suffering.

The meeting was attended by Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs, and Abdulla Ali Al Saboosi, the UAE Ambassador to the Italian Republic.

ALSO READ: UAE condemns Israeli seizure of land in Jordan Valley

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Italy warns against Western troops in Ukraine  

Antonio Tajani added that it “would be a mistake” for NATO to send troops to Ukraine…reports Asian Lite News

Antonio Tajani, Italian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, on Saturday rejected the idea raised by French President Emmanuel Macron of the possibility of sending Western troops to Ukraine, said Tajani as quoted by media reports.

He added that it “would be a mistake” for NATO to send troops to Ukraine, which “we must help defend, ” as quoted by Ukrainska Pravda report.

“To enter the war with Russia means the threat of World War III,” he said.

“Our military is doing well what they are doing in the Red Sea to protect our ships; they are doing well what they are doing in Lebanon, Africa and Iraq. Our military are the bearers of peace, guarantees and freedom. We are not at war with Russia,” the Italian Foreign Minister stressed.

Earlier on Friday, Macron, while commenting on the idea of sending Western troops to Ukraine, said that if such a scenario were to be implemented, French forces would not go on the offensive against Russia, the Ukrainska Pravda reported.

French politicians attacked Macron after his recent interview regarding his support for Ukraine.

Elina Valtonen, Finland Minister of Foreign Affairs, has said that Western countries, including the US, should not completely rule out the idea of sending troops to Ukraine if the situation there deteriorates.

ALSO READ: Russia threatens troop deployment along Finland border  

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Tunisia Bolsters Measures Against Illegal Immigration to Italy

Situated about 130 km from the Tunisian coastline, the island of Lampedusa is often chosen as the first stop for migrants making illegal sea voyages to Italy…reports Asian Lite News

 Tunisia in 2023 intercepted more than 75,000 illegal migrants while they were attempting to enter Europe via the Mediterranean Sea route to Italy, media reported.

It is more than double the number in 2022, during which more than 35,000 undocumented immigrants were arrested while sailing to Italy off Tunisian coasts, said the report on Wednesday, citing Tunisia’s National Guard spokesman Houcemeddine Jbabli.

Over the past several months, Tunisian security has intensified the crackdown upon waves of illegal immigration destined for the Italian island of Lampedusa, extending relevant operations from the southeastern province of Sfax to other provinces, Xinhua news agency reported.

Situated about 130 km from the Tunisian coastline, the island of Lampedusa is often chosen as the first stop for migrants making illegal sea voyages to Italy.

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Italian Elegance Meets Dubai Skyline

Soaring 96 meters above The Palm and spanning 90 meters in length, Cloud 22 features an endless infinity pool, floating beds, 11 luxury cabanas with private plunge pools as well as a two-storey VVIP cabana complete with its own floating infinity pool…reports Asian Lite News

The epicenter and spiritual core of Atlantis The Royal, Cloud 22 is an iconic sky pool with sweeping views over The Palm Islands, the Arabian Sea and Dubai’s captivating skyline. In collaboration with Ounass, Dolce&Gabbana presents an Italian-inspired experience at Cloud 22, that evokes a story of love and hospitality, of devotion to beauty, and the art of living the everyday life.

Dolce&Gabbana employs its iconic blue majolica print to adorn Cloud 22, seamlessly weaving the fashion house’s creativity into the venue’s inherent sophistication. Guests are assured of an extraordinary encounter, where Dolce&Gabbana’s renowned fashion elements blend with Cloud 22’s elegant ambience.

Meticulously crafted furnishings, embellished with the iconic blue maiolica print, and the incorporation of natural materials will contribute to an ambience that is not only luxurious but also irresistibly inviting.

With lively music and a sophisticated ambiance, guests can indulge in a special Dolce&Gabbana menu featuring a handpicked selection of dishes including bruschetta with Oscietra caviar, Gillardeau oysters drizzled with Amalfi lemon and balsamico sauce, and steak tartare perfected with truffle.

Soaring 96 meters above The Palm and spanning 90 meters in length, Cloud 22 features an endless infinity pool, floating beds, 11 luxury cabanas with private plunge pools as well as a two-storey VVIP cabana complete with its own floating infinity pool.

Visitors can also immerse themselves in the world of Ounass at a pop-up store located on the Galleria Level of Atlantis The Royal, where guests can not only discover exceptional pieces from the Dolce&Gabbana collections – including iconic prints such as Blue Majolica and Psychedelic Cart, together with the Crystal Mesh Collection – but also live Ounass’ unrivalled shopping experience.

This exclusive journey at Ounass and Dolce&Gabbana at Cloud 22 starts from AED 450 per person and welcomes guests from 10:00am to 7:00pm daily. 21+. To find out more or to make a reservation log onto www.atlantis.com/dubai/dining/cloud22 or call +04 462700.

ALSO READ-‘Dubai solidifies status as top healthcare hub’

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Italy Extends Strong Backing for Ukraine Amid Russia Conflict

A few hours later, the Senate recorded 103 votes in favour, 24 against and 27 abstentions…reports Asian Lite News

Italy’s Parliament has approved a resolution reaffirming the country’s support for Ukraine for another year in that country’s conflict with Russia.

Both Houses of the Italian Parliament on Wednesday supported the resolution, with the Lower House casting 195 votes in favour, 50 against and 55 abstentions. A few hours later, the Senate recorded 103 votes in favour, 24 against and 27 abstentions.

In a change to previous resolutions of support in Italy, the vote also called for the Italian government to support “all diplomatic efforts” to negotiate an end to the conflict as long as those efforts lead to a “lasting” and “balanced” peace, Xinhua news agency reported.

Italy is among the countries sending military equipment to Ukraine since the start of the conflict. Public support for aid to Ukraine from European Union member states has eroded in recent months.

ALSO READ-Russia launches 28 drones at Ukraine overnight

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India govt gives nod to migration, mobility pact with Italy  

Cooperation between the two parties in the fight against irregular migration has also been formalised through the Agreement...reports Asian Lite News

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval to the proposal of the Ministry of External Affairs to sign and ratify the Migration and Mobility Agreement between India and Italy, the Cabinet informed in a release on Wednesday.

The agreement would enhance people-to-people contacts, foster mobility of students, skilled workers, business people and young professionals and strengthen cooperation on issues related to irregular migration between the two sides. The agreement locks in the current Italian visa regime including mechanisms for post-study opportunities, internships, and professional training assuring an advantage for India under the existing labour mobility pathways under the Flows Decree. According to the release, after this agreement, the Indian students wishing to gather initial professional experience, after completing academic or vocational training in Italy may be granted temporary residence in Italy for up to 12 months.

The Italian side has detailed provisions related to professional training, extracurricular internships and curricular internships which allow Indian students and trainees to gain experience in Italian skills and training standards. For workers, the Italian side has reserved a quota of 5000, 6000 and 7000 non-seasonal Indian workers for 2023, 2024 and 2025 under the current Flows Decree (Total reserved quota stands at 12000 for non-seasonal workers). Additionally, the Italian side has also reserved a quota of 3000, 4000 and 5000 seasonal Indian workers for 2023, 2024 and 2025 under the current Flows Decree (Total reserved quota stands at 8000 for seasonal workers), the release added. Under the Flows Decree, the Italian side has also offered incremental reserved quotas for both seasonal and non-seasonal workers from 2023-2025. Additionally, the Agreement also formalises joint working on furthering mobility pathways between India and Italy through agreements on Youth Mobility and Facilitation of Recruitment of Indian qualified professionals in the healthcare and medical services sectors which will be discussed under the Joint Working Group (JWG).

Cooperation between the two parties in the fight against irregular migration has also been formalised through the Agreement. “This agreement will come into effect on the first day of the second month following the date of receipt of the last of the two notifications by which parties shall have communicated to each other the completion of their internal procedures necessary for its entry into force and will remain into force for a period of 5 years. Unless terminated by any participant, the agreement will be automatically renewed for a similar successive period,” the release stated. The agreement provides a formal mechanism for its monitoring through a JWG which would meet periodically, in virtual or physical mode as convenient, and oversee its implementation. The JWG would share relevant information, evaluate the implementation of the agreement and discuss all appropriate proposals to support implementation as necessary. Notably, the agreement was signed on November 2 this year, by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on the Indian side and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani on the Italian side, the cabinet release added. (ANI)

ALSO READ-EU Nears Migration Policy Overhaul

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Italy formally exits China’s BRI

The withdrawal was initially reported by the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, which stated that Beijing was informed of the much-awaited decision three days ago…reports Asian Lite News

Italy has taken an exit from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, four years after becoming the only Group of Seven (G7) nation to sign up for it.

The withdrawal was initially reported by the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, which stated that Beijing was informed of the much-awaited decision three days ago. Italy was the first significant Western country to join the project in 2019, despite US worries about China acquiring control over vital infrastructure and technologies.According to an auto-translation of the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, the formal exit of Rome from the project occurred through the cancellation of the agreement by the Italian government.

China’s Belt and Road.

In the end, after weeks of confidential negotiations and some diplomatic misunderstandings, Italy produced a verbal note, accompanied it with promises of strategic friendship capable of relaunching relations between the two states, and delivered it in Beijing to the Chinese government authorities, the Italian publication Corriere della Sera reported.It is advantageous for both that there was little public announcement of the official cancellation (none of the two countries released a statement).

Beijing is in charge of a project that has partially fallen into financial difficulties.The Silk Road Memorandum was notably signed by then-Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte of Italy and Chinese President Xi Jinping on March 23, 2019, according to Corriere della Sera.

Notably, it was upon taking office last year, that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated her intention to pull out of the BRI, citing the absence of significant advantages for her country, Al Jazeera reported.It was earlier in September this year that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had said that leaving the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) also known as Silk Road does not compromise relations with China.

According to Italian media, Corriere della Sera daily, it was on the sidelines of the G20 Summit here in Delhi this year, that the Italian PM met Chinese Premier Li Qiang and shared her plan to pull out of the BRI.In the press conference on the last day of the G20 Summit, Meloni turned to talk about the conversation she had with the head of the Chinese government.

“A cordial and constructive dialogue on how we can deepen our bilateral partnership… I intend to keep my commitment to visit China…It makes more sense to go to China when we have more information on our bilateral cooperation and how to develop it,” Meloni said at the conference, according to the Italian media report.”Leaving the Silk Road does not compromise relations, but the decision still has to be taken,” the prime minister assured.

“The Italian government was invited to the Belt and Road Forum, but yesterday we didn’t talk about it,” Meloni said at the conference. (ANI)

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EAM, Italian counterpart Tajani sign pacts to boost youth mobility

Before concluding his visit, EAM also held interaction with the Indian diaspora, the India-Italy Parliamentary Friendship Group and senior dignitaries of the Italian government…reports Asian Lite News

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani signed two significant agreements, to boost the mobility of youth and skilled workers in a safe and legal manner.

The two ministers signed agreements on Migration and Mobility Partnership, and Executive Programme on Cultural Cooperation for the period 2023-27.

“These will provide a major boost to the mobility of youth and skilled workers in a safe and legal manner, thereby promoting people-to-people ties, trade and tourism,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

Jaishankar was on an official visit to Italy from November 2 to 3 at the invitation of the Italian Deputy PM and Foreign Minister.

During the visit, EAM called on Italian President Sergio Mattarella and held delegation-level talks with his Italian counterpart Tajani. He also met Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso.

“He addressed the Joint Committees of External and Defence Affairs, and EU Affairs in the Italian Senate, and also interacted with prominent think tanks and thought leaders,” the statement said.

Moreover, Italian President Mattarella during his meeting with EAM, reiterated his strong support for advancing bilateral ties as well as deepening India-Italy and India-EU linkages.

Meanwhile, EAM Jaishankar held a meeting with Italian Defence Minister Crosetto, where they both focused on deepening strategic cooperation including industrial collaboration in defence manufacturing and in areas of counter-terrorism, cyber security and maritime domain.

Additionally, Minister Urso, “discussed ways to promote bilateral trade and investment, with focus on areas of agro-tech, engineering, digital infrastructure, innovation and space.”

During the visit, Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Tajani reviewed the entire gamut of the India-Italy Strategic Partnership and expressed happiness at the steady growth in diverse areas of India-Italy bilateral cooperation including regular high-level exchanges and interaction, economic collaboration, defence and security, S&T, culture and people to people connect.

Meanwhile, both sides agreed that there is a “huge potential for further increasing collaboration in areas of Renewable Energy, IT and startups, digital infrastructure, innovation, Artificial Intelligence, cyber and space,” the statement said.

The economic partnership between India and Italy which is among the top 10 economies, is crucial for the diversification of the global supply chain, given their respective strengths.

Moreover, both ministers deliberated upon the important regional and international developments, including India’s successful G20 Presidency in Delhi, Italy’s upcoming G7 Presidency, India-EU relations, the Mediterranean and the Indo-Pacific, the conflict in Ukraine, and the situation in West Asia.

Jaishankar also appreciated Italy for joining the key India-led global initiatives such as ISA, CDRI, IPOI, Global Bio-Fuels Alliance and India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), reflecting the growing convergence of our views on important global issues.

Notably, both sides hoped for the early conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations.

Later, “FM Tajani also congratulated India for the successful lunar landing of “Chandrayaan – 3″ and evinced interest for deeper cooperation between ISRO and Italian space agency, ASI,” the statement said.

Before concluding his visit, EAM also held interaction with the Indian diaspora, the India-Italy Parliamentary Friendship Group and senior dignitaries of the Italian government.

Jaishankar’s visit to Italy will help in further consolidating the long-standing historical ties between the two countries, and “pushed bilateral cooperation in diverse areas of our Strategic Partnership including on contemporary global issues and challenges.” (ANI)

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Jaishankar meets Italian Defence Minister

EAM Jaishankar met Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and discussed strengthening the India-Italy defence partnership on Thursday...reports Asian Lite News

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Thursday and signed the Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement and the Cultural Exchange Program.The two leaders held discussions on deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries as well as on the issues of the West Asia situation, the Ukraine conflict and the Indo-Pacific.”A comprehensive and productive meeting this evening with DPM and FM @Antonio_Tajani.

Conversed about deepening our strategic partnership. Agreed that potential in agro-tech, innovation, space, defence and the digital domain should be explored,” Jaishankar posted on X (formerly Twitter).He added, “Spoke about the West Asia situation, Ukraine conflict and the Indo-Pacific landscape in detail. Appreciated Italy’s support for our initiatives and also for the G20 Presidency. Signed the Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement and the Cultural Exchange Program at the end of our talks”. Earlier in the day, EAM Jaishankar met Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and discussed strengthening the India-Italy defence partnership on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Jaishankar also interacted with the Italian senate members as he began his official visit to Italy.Jaishankar also addressed the Joint Session of the Senate’s External Affairs and Defence Commission.During this, he characterized the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic followed by conflict in Ukraine on the global economy as “very traumatic” and predicted very “difficult and turbulent” times ahead.While referring to the escalation of the Israel-Hamas war, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that while terrorism is “unacceptable”, there also needs to be a solution for the issue of Palestine.Prior to this, Jaishankar was in Portugal for two days, from October 31 to November 1.India and Italy enjoy friendly and cordial relations and multifaceted bilateral cooperation. The relationship was elevated to ‘Strategic Partnership’ during the state visit of the Prime Minister of Italy in March this year.Italy is among India’s top 5 trading partners in the EU. The balance of trade has been in India’s favour since the early eighties. The Indian community in Italy is the second largest community of Indians in Europe after the UK. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Italy bracing for flood risks in north, heatwaves in south

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Italy bracing for flood risks in north, heatwaves in south

In the south, October saw unseasonal high temperatures surpassing 35 degrees Celsius on multiple occasions…reports Asian Lite News

Italy has been bracing for the latest round of extreme weather, with heavy rains and potential flooding forecast for large parts of central and northern Italy. Meanwhile, high temperatures were predicted in the south.

Italian civil protection officials on Wednesday said that two thunderstorm systems would be moving over the country this week, resulting in red alerts for flooding in the northeastern regions of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia. Orange alerts have been issued across large parts of northwestern and central Italy, including Milan.

The coming thunderstorms are likely to spark floods that could close roads, interrupt commercial and passenger sea transport, and damage crops. The forecast comes after several days of heavy rainfall over much of northern Italy.

Additionally, the canal city of Venice has been repeatedly threatened by sea levels up to 1.54 meters above normal levels, but significant damage was averted due to the city’s high-tech flood barriers.

In the south, October saw unseasonal high temperatures surpassing 35 degrees Celsius on multiple occasions. In Sicily, although October temperatures were cooler than the all-time high recorded in July and August, the averages in some parts of the island were nearly ten degrees higher than historical norms, local reports said.

The weather in Sicily has also been unusually dry and multiple wildfires were reported this week, following widespread fires throughout the long and dry summer.

Italian agricultural union Coldiretti said earlier this week that the high temperatures in August and the predicted thunderstorms were bad news for the agricultural sector. The olive harvest, which this year suffered from a one-third reduction due to the hot and dry summer, could see low production again next year due to the extreme weather in fall and winter.

The agricultural group said that repeated bouts of unpredictable weather this year have reduced wheat production by a tenth, while cherry production was 60 percent lower than normal, and the honey harvest was 70 percent below last year’s levels.

Over the last 18 months, Italy has suffered from a string of extreme weather events, ranging from record-high temperatures and drought in the summer months of 2022 and 2023, to wildfires, floods, landslides, hail and severe winds.

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