Europeanism not at odds with national interests: Italian PM

Milan Feb 22 (IANS/AKI) There is no contradiction between a belief in Europe and the protection of national interests Italy s Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni said on Wednesday.

"There is no clash between Europeanism and safeguarding our national interests " he said during a speech at research institute ISPI where he received a prize for enhancing Italy s image abroad.

"Making this effort in the Mediterranean we are seeking to be a conduit for dialogue and greater stability in the region while defending our national interests at the same time " said Gentiloni.

Italy has won praise from the European Union for rescuing many thousands of migrants in the Mediterranean and is a prominent player in EU initiatives to train Libyan coastguard and combat trafficking gangs.

--IANS/AKI
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