Karo Massimo,

Dear Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to extend a very warm welcome to you all and say that I am truly honored to host this dinner this evening on the occasion of the Fourth Turkish-Italian Forum.

The Forum has served for the past 3 years as an invaluable platform for a stimulating exchange of views among prominent opinion makers, business and academic communities as well as members of our media. I believe that the discussions we will hold tomorrow on issues of common concern will be no exception.

I wish to acknowledge the Unicredit Bank, the Limes and East Journals as well as the Center for Strategic Research for their invaluable contributions in launching and institutionalizing this meaningful endeavor.

Turkey and Italy are two countries that not only relate and understand one another because of this common Mediterranean heritage, but who also share a common vision of peace and stability in the world.

Both countries have played a decisive role in the history of the European continent. Our accumulated historical and cultural wisdom and shared common values also enables our two countries to make constructive and positive contributions in and beyond our region today. We work closely together in the pursuit of common objectives.

Our diplomatic relations with Italy go back some 150 years. Our exemplary bilateral relations continue to prosper not only politically but also through our ever expanding economic, commercial, military and cultural ties. The official visit paid by Prime Minister Erdoğan to Italy earlier this very month provided an opportunity to reiterate the importance we attribute to our relations and close cooperation on a wide range of issues of mutual interest.

As an important actor and integral part of Europe throughout history, Turkey is equally committed to the European ideal and shares together with Italy the same vision for the future of Europe. We share a common past and our strategic objective is to also share a common destiny with Europe. Turkey’s accession will open up new horizons for the EU and empower it with the means to fulfill its mission as a global actor on the world stage.

Dear Guests,

The cultural interaction that Turkey and Italy have enjoyed throughout history and how it has reflected on our respective societies is evident even in this mansion. One of the two lion statues in front of the principle gates, the female one in fact, is said to be a gift from Italy to Sait Halim Paşa, who was the original proprietor of this mansion. Moreover, one of the halls next to us is named the Venetian Hall for the decorations and furniture were brought from Venice.

So I hope you will feel very much at home here tonight as we celebrate the friendship between our two countries and the continued success of the Turkish-Italian Forum. And without any further ado, let us enjoy the good company of friends and also let us enjoy the refined flavors of Turkish cuisine.

Before ending, I would like to invite my dear colleague Massimo to the floor.

Afiyet olsun! Bon Appetito!