ROME/ISTANBUL

The Italy-Türkiye Association, established in Rome, held its first general assembly Friday.

The formal registration was completed in June to advance geopolitical, economic and cultural relations between Italy and Türkiye between 2004 and 2010, and serve as a “bridge” between civil society and institutions. Its inaugural general assembly was held at a hotel in central Rome.

Carlo Marsili, former Italian ambassador to Ankara and president of the association, said it was founded to deepen ties across all fields between the two countries’ civil societies, and it is still a very young organization with much work ahead.

He emphasized that the association will carry out activities in culture, arts, and education, and that it will strive especially to promote Italian culture in Türkiye and Turkish culture in Italy.

Ankara’s Ambassador to Rome Elif Comoglu Ulgen, who attended the assembly, is pleased that the association was launched so quickly and expressed confidence that it could achieve much together if it continues with the same momentum.

Ulgen added that by 2026, the association will grow further and undertake significant projects.

The first general assembly was attended by former Italian lawmaker Nino Foti, Italian academic and writer Valeria Giannotta, as well as many guests in business, diplomacy, education, culture and the arts in both countries.