Euro-Med Diplomats Seminar reinforces role of civil society and Anna Lindh Foundation in building a Union for the Mediterranean

"There have been many small steps since the creation of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership in 1995, and we must ensure that the next decade lets flourish the cultural dimension and the work of the Anna Lindh Foundation," said the President of the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomacy, former President of Malta Guido de Marco, speaking at the closing session of the 28th International Seminar for Euro-Med Diplomats. "Euro-Med is not just a dream, it is a reality that we need" he added.
 A press release said the Euro-Med meeting and training seminar, organised by the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies and the European Commission, focused on a range of issues including globalisation, trade and investment, energy security, as well as the contribution of civil society and the media to Mediterranean cooperation.The regional meeting has been running since the birth in 1995 of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, the far-reaching political agreement which was re-launched in 2008 as the 'Union for the Mediterranean' at the Paris Summit of the 43 Heads of State or Government.
 The importance of the contribution of civil society to regional cooperation was reinforced in the meeting's final conclusions. Imane Dryef, representing the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and speaking on behalf of the seminar participants, said: "Civil society presents a fresh approach to Mediterranean cooperation, with fresh ideas and new inputs, creating the conditions to rebuild bridges across the Region. As diplomats, it is important to also collectively support the work of the Anna Lindh Foundation which is having a major impact on reducing the gap in mutual perceptions between people on the two shores of the Mediterranean." 
A follow-up information and training seminar for Euro-Med Diplomats is planned for October 2010 where the Anna Lindh Foundation has been invited to present the outcomes of its forthcoming first Report on Intercultural Trends which includes the very first survey of 13,000 citizens of the Euro-Mediterranean Region about values, perceptions and behaviours which are relevant to intercultural relations.
 Malta Seminars for diplomats is an EU-funded project that carries out training for EU and Mediterranean diplomats aiming to provide them with regular and updated information on the European Institutions and the key aspects of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. The Euro-Mediterranean Information and Training Seminars for Diplomats help to improve information flows, allow for exchanges of ideas and promote dialogue. The project also has a valuable networking function.