Pope Benedict XVI conducted a seminar with Italian and Arab politicians and senior officials attending an international seminar in Rome, aimed at strengthening political institutions and participation in the Middle East. Tolerance, understanding and mutual cooperation were further underlined by the meeting with the Pontiff who made himself a world ambassador for these values,” said IPALMO. During the seminar, IPALMO and UNDP are aiming to give the politicians from Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon – considered three key states in the volatile Middle East – experience in parliamentary practices in Italy, where democracy has deep roots. The seminar is also intended to give Italian parliamentarians the opportunity to learn more about Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon’s democratic institutions and civil society organizations.
