BAGIS GIVEN ITALIAN CAVALIERE STATE RECOGNITION
During the Italian National Day, at a reception organized by the Italian Embassy in Ankara, Egemen Bagis, Justice and Development Party Istanbul MP was given the Italian Cavaliere State Recognition. In his speech during his presentation of Recognition Italian Ambassador Carlo Marsili stated: "Real European Union cannot be without Turkey. This is Italy's State policy." Recognition was presented to Bagis for his contributions to the relations between Italy and Turkey.
The chief adviser of His Excellency former Prime Minister Berlusconi the Chairman of the Forza Italia Party, and Venice MP Valentiona Valentini's visit to Ankara from Rome for just one day at this joyful day of Egemen Bagis as a close friend drew attention.
In his thank you speech Bagis said: "On this day which marks the 150th year of Turkey-Italy diplomatic relations and the Italian National Day it's an honor to be presented with this Cavaliere State Recognition in front of our Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul. I'd like to thank to Italian Ambassador in Ankara Hon. Carlo Marsili and Mrs. Selva for recommending me for this award, to former Italian Prime Minister Mr. Berlusconi and President Ciampi for approving the recommendation and to my friend who came to Ankara from Rome just for today, Venice MP and chief advisor Valentine Valentini. It makes me so proud if I've had any contribution on development of Turkey-Italy relations."
Portions extracted from the relevant story published by the Radikal Daily on 04-06-2006