KUWAIT CITY, Oct 26: The Italian Ambassador to Kuwait, Lorenzo Morini, has announced that the embassy will soon launch a series of diverse cultural activities from Oct 28 to Nov 5 to commemorate Italy’s Unity and Armed Forces Day, observed annually on Nov 4. Speaking at a press conference at the embassy to representatives from local newspapers, Morini explained that these cultural events are part of the “A Journey into Italian Creativity” festival, showcasing Italian excellence in art, fashion, design, and culture. He said, the festival will feature events highlighting Italian fashion designers, jewelry, artists, culinary experts, and chocolatiers, all of which aim to give the Kuwaiti audience an authentic glimpse into the Italian lifestyle. The ambassador emphasized that this festival also aims to strengthen the longstanding ties of friendship between Italy and Kuwait. The festivities will kick off on Oct 28 with a classical concert by the renowned Italian string quintet “Filarmonici di Roma” at the American University of Kuwait Theater, featuring iconic works by Italian composers like Vivaldi, Rossini, Tartini, Pergolesi, and Respighi.

The concert, free to the public, is presented in partnership with the American University of Kuwait, where the artists will also offer free music lessons for students. Ambassador Morini highlighted that Italy’s Unity and Armed Forces Day honors the end of World War I, the liberation of Italy, and the Italian Armed Forces, commemorating soldiers who fought for Italy’s freedom and continue to contribute to peace and stability globally. He noted that an official celebration will take place at the Regency Hotel on November 5. Regarding Italian cuisine, he announced that Italian chefs will offer cooking lessons at select Italian hotels. He also introduced the art exhibition “A Dawn of Peace,” held as part of the festival to celebrate Kuwaiti-Italian artistic collaboration.

The exhibition will feature the work of Kuwaiti artist and calligrapher Fareed Abdal alongside pieces from Italy’s renowned Aurora Company, known for luxury pens and inks. The exhibition will open to the public at the Ambassador’s residence on November 4. Additionally, he mentioned the “Casa Italia” initiative, where the Embassy will open its doors in the coming months for cultural events, providing a vibrant space for displaying artwork, exhibitions, and workshops. When asked about Italy’s stance on regional affairs, Morini stressed that dialogue remains the only path forward for conflict resolution, adding, “We believe de-escalation is essential to finding a long-term solution within the UN Charter and resolutions.” Morini noted that over a thousand Italian soldiers are part of the coalition in Lebanon, with Italy committed to remaining until UN resolutions are fulfilled, while also consistently advocating for de-escalation with European and G7 partners.

In Kuwait, approximately 400 Italian soldiers serve within the anti-Daesh coalition, where they monitor the regional situation and urge all parties to avoid destabilizing actions, emphasizing Italy’s dedication to working within international law and UN frameworks. The Ambassador highlighted close coordination with Kuwait in regional security efforts, especially through the Italian forces’ surveillance systems. He added that cooperation with the Kuwaiti army, notably the air force, includes training Eurofighter pilots and delivering Eurofighter aircraft. Morini also noted cultural similarities between Kuwait and Italy, saying, “When I arrived in Kuwait, I felt at home -- the way Kuwaitis communicate and receive people mirrors Italian hospitality.” He further shared that two Italian archaeological missions are active in Kuwait, one from the University of Perugia on Failaka Island and the other from the University of La Sapienza, which is initiating a new project along Kuwait’s northern coast. Lastly, the Italian envoy highlighted that around 160 Kuwaiti students have studied in Italy over the past five years, though he hopes this number will grow as more discover that many Italian universities offer full courses in English.

By Paulo Francisco X. Fernandes
Arab Times/Al-Seyassah Staff