By : Jameel W. Karaki Assaad Tarhini
KUWAIT: In an exclusive interview with Al Watan Daily, Advisor to the Italian Prime Minister on Kuwait Antonio Capuano spoke candidly about the relations the two states shares, calling them "warm and strong."
The youngest person to ever be elected as a member of the Italian parliament, at age 29 in 2001, Capuano made the point that Kuwait and Italy share more than just "good relations," rather, they are in fact "friends." Capuano also discussed the economic and cultural bilateral agreements between the two and the support Italy has provided.
During the course of the interview, Capuano announced the upcoming visit of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to Kuwait, which is slated to occur at the end of January, or beginning of February.
He also discussed Italy's role in maintaining global peace, Italy's support of Kuwait's rights vis-à-vis Iraq, and the recent events regarding WikiLeaks.
Below is an excerpt of what was discussed:
Bilateral relationship between Kuwait and Italy
Capuano explained that his position is a vital and important one as he was the first one to be assigned to it, adding that it was on Prime Minister Berlusconi's agenda to improve the bilateral relationship between the two nations. He said that they have always enjoyed "good and strong" relations that have now developed into being "friends."
He pointed out that the visit of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah to Rome in November 2009 paved the way to boosting this "unique relationship" and confirmed that Sheikh Nasser has become "very good friend with Berlusconi."
Capuano then said how during his visit last month, Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini was very pleased with the "genuine Kuwaiti hospitality" that they received when they met with the prime minister and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dr. Mohammed Al-Sabah.
He made the point that the recent improvement of bilateral relations between the two countries has to be attributed to the professionalism displayed by the Italian Ambassador to Kuwait Enrico Granara and his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Jaber Duaij Al-Sabah, who Capuano said of, was "a serious, committed and respectable man who supported my mission."
Italy's support of Kuwait, meeting with Iraq
Capuano spoke about the support Italy has always provided Kuwait, presently and in past during times of difficulty and hardship.
He added that even though his expertise is Kuwait, his role extends throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council, explaining that he recently visited with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki on November 22. Capuano said that during the meeting he supported the negotiations between Kuwait and Iraq regarding the outstanding issue pertaining under Chapter VII of the United Nations, specifically the borders, the issue of missing people and the continuation of reparations payments.
He said that Prime Minister Al-Maliki confirmed that the "doors are open" to discuss any, and all ideas that would leads to a resolution to these outstanding issues.
Economic cooperation
Regarding the economic cooperation between Kuwait and Italy, Capuano explained that Sheikh Nasser's visit to Italy in 2009 was partly to present the Kuwaiti state development plan to Italian business, a point that the Italian government is very keen to participate.
As an example, Capuano brought up the Italian oil and gas contractor Saipem that was recently awarded a contract by Kuwait based Kharafi National for the Early Production Facility Project for the Jurassic field, located in the north of the country, approximately 50 kilometers north-west of Kuwait City.
He also said that an invitation was presented to Managing Director of Kuwait Investment Authority Bader Al-Saad to visit Italy and discuss investment opportunities.
Cultural relationship
Regarding the cultural relationship between the two, Capuano spoke on the recent Kuwaiti-launched Islamic antiquities exhibition held in Milan. An exhibition on Islamic art and civilization that portrayed a selection of works from the collection Sheikh Hussah Al- Sabah and Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyyah. He mentioned that Saipem showed an interest in sponsoring the next exhibition that would possibly be held in Rome.
When asked about the absence of an Italian cultural center in Kuwait, Capuano commented that the issue is on the agenda of the Italian government and Ambassador Granara, and one should be set up in the future.
Upcoming visits
During the interview, Capuano revealed that the end of the January (beginning of February) would see the visit of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to Kuwait.
He added that he recently an invitation was presented to the Kuwaiti foreign minister, sent by Prime Minister Berlusconi, and that Minister of Oil and Information Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah will visit Italy sometime in May. He said that First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense would also visit Italy sometime next year.
Capuano went to take about the support Italy provides the Kuwaiti Air Force and the relations between the two, noting that members of the air force will visit Italy to train and exchange experiences at an air base in Pozzuoli, Napoli.
Italy and international affairs
Capuano explained that Italy has a military presence in Afghanistan and Lebanon, among others. However, he underlined the fact that the existence of the Italian military in these areas is there solely to support peace efforts and maintain it.
Regarding the Arabic Israeli Conflict, he said that Italy wishes both parties reach an agreement, pointing out both should be willing to make some sacrifices to ensure peace.
The recent WikiLeaks
In a reply to a question on the recent WikeLeaks and its effect on the diplomatic world, Capuano said that the leaks have "affected everyone" but that "they should not be read literally but in a diplomatic way." He added that the leaked cables were nothing special and just normal correspondence between diplomats. However, he did express his own concerns that the leaks might affect relationships between countries and that there might have been something hidden behind them.
Commenting on what was written about Berlusconi, Capuano brushed them aside saying that "what was written was meant as a joke" and that diplomats sometimes joke, even in their cables.
Muslim community in Italy
Capuano made the point that Italy plays a major role in Italian society and that have become quite integrated. He did admit that sometimes disputes do happen because of political interests and some Italian parties seeking but votes, but he underline that "we respect Islam and personally, I enjoy a good relationship with the Muslim community." Capuano also pointed out that Rome house the largest mosque in Europe.
The Italian Economy
When discussing the Italian economy, Capuano described it as "solid and one of the best economies in Europe." He explained that during the recent economic crisis the economy in Italy was affected to a lesser degree than others, such as France adding, "Our government knows how to deal with economic challenges." He went on to say that they supported Greece during its trouble and will support Portugal and other states that might face similar crises, noting that European countries look onto Italy as an economic example.
http://alwatandaily.kuwait.tt/resources/pdf/949/3.pdf
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| Advisor to the Italian Prime Minister on Kuwait Antonio Capuano (right) speaking to Al Watan Daily journalists Assaad Tarhini (left)and Jameel W. Karaki (center) on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010. (Source:Al Watan) |
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