Italy hosted this year's summit of the G8 group of the world's leading industrialised nations in its role as president of the G8 in 2009.  At L'Aquila, Italy played host not only to the G8, but also, as has become customary, to the G5 developing countries, the Africa Group and the Major Economies Forum.  SAIIA has invited the Italian Ambassador to South Africa, Mr Elio Menzione, to speak about the outcomes of the summit.

Mr Menzione was born in Alassio, Savona (Italy) on 30th August 1949. He graduated from Law School at the University of Pavia, and carried out research at the same university, until 1975 when he entered the Italian Diplomatic Service. He has served in various positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and has been posted to Vietnam, Indonesia, Peru, the UN and Cuba among others.

Before being appointed Italy's Ambassador to South Africa, Lesotho, Mauritius and Madagascar in September 2008, he was Deputy Director General for Cultural Promotion and Cooperation.

In 2003, the decoration of Knight Commander in the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy was bestowed upon him.

Tel:          (011) 339 2021 ext 117

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Email:     rsvp@saiia.org.za