interview Bahrainthismonth.com 44 December 2024 In this interview, we sit down with His Excellency Andrea Catalano, the Italian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, to explore the longstanding relationship between the two countries. With a distinguished career spanning diverse diplomatic roles across multiple regions, Ambassador Catalano brings a wealth of experience to his role in the Kingdom. Here, he shares insights on Italy’s diplomatic and cultural endeavours, his experience so far, and upcoming initiatives that celebrate and strengthen this special partnership. BRIDGING DIPLOMACY FROM ROME TO MANAMA Your Excellency, could you kindly tell us about your diplomatic career and the journey that led you to your role as Ambassador to Bahrain? Thank you for the opportunity to share my journey with your readers. It has been an honour and privilege to represent Italy through various roles, which allowed me to engage with diverse cultures and navigate complex geopolitical landscapes. Each posting has been a learning experience, marked by distinct challenges. I began my career as a Political Officer in Cairo, where I was immersed in the Middle East’s rich cultural and political dynamics. Later, as Head of the Economic Affairs Section in Tripoli from 2008 to 2011, I coordinated the evacuation of hundreds of Italian and third-country nationals during Libya’s crisis, which was a profound experience of teamwork and empathy. In Rome, I furthered my regional expertise as Deputy Head and Acting Head of the Maghreb Office, before moving to Washington, D.C., where I worked on foreign and security affairs, with a focus on Libya and the broader MENA region. Since my appointment as Ambassador to Bahrain, I’ve worked to strengthen our bilateral ties and foster cultural exchanges. The bond between Italy and Bahrain is strong, and I am committed to further nurturing this relationship in collaboration with the Bahraini government and people.
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