Italy-Iran conference focuses on welfare and cooperation

(AGI) Rome Jul 13 - Daniela Sbrollini, president of the Italy-Iran Parliamentary Friendship Group, opened the works of the 'Italy-Iran. A cooperation model' conference by addressing the enhanced ties and interaction between the two countries. She said: "This conference is a moment of synergy between two great countries and it follows the meetings held between Italy's Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and Iranian President, Hassan Rouhani." The event focused on welfare and enjoyed the participation of Fatemeh Hashemi Rafsanjani, president of Charity Foundation for Special Diseases (CSFFD) and the Iranian Ambassador to Rome, Jahanbakhsh Mozaffari. President Sbrollini emphasized the role dialogue can play in "helping us understand Iran's new forays to the outside world after the lifting of sanctions." Fatemeh Hashemi Rafsanjani wished for "a new era of cooperation that could be conducive to the establishment of new relations." She added, "I came to Rome for the first time when I was 14 years old and my father told me it was a learning experience. Culture and infrastructure struck me the most." Speaking of her work at the foundation she heads, Fatemeh Hashemi Rafsanjani said she discussed public health issues with a parlamentarian delegation six months ago: "Our main obligation lies in the field of prevention, also at the neonatal and paediatric level. Italy is very advanced in the field. We also attach great relevance to knowledge and information, as well as to universal access to treatment." Ettore Rosato, the Democratic Party (PD) leader at the Chamber of Deputies, pointed out that "the agreements signed are proof of a continuous cooperation between our countries, which is now more intense than ever. Iran is a strategic partner for Italy for cultural and geopolitical reasons. It is the leading country in a most important political area which is often unstable. Italy and Iran have always enjoyed very fruitful relations. Iran as a strong partner of world powers can contribute to stability. Our dialogue also implies economic relations and favours mutual growth. Being among friends, we can say that we expect progress in the field of civil rights. The true challenge is getting to know each other. Cooperation with Iran can benefit peace in the whole area." (AGI). .