Journey of dialogue across the Mediterranean

Immigration, environment, religion and heritage are several topics which will start a journey of dialogue in Malta and continue across the Mediterranean Sea over the next two weeks.

Named after the mythological Greek king, Ulysse 2009 is a 16-day journey, which starts in Malta today and continues in Tunisia, Libya, Cyprus and Lebanon, bringing together artists, intellectuals and writers from all over the Mediterranean.

The topics will vary from dealing with the financial crisis to cooperation in the governance of the sea and creating awareness of the Mediterranean’s cultural heritage.

The project Ulysse, which opens at the Maltese Parliament, will see EU Justice Vice-Commissioner Jacques Barrot and Rev. Prof. Peter Serracino Inglott, among others, discussing issues such as immigration, security and environment in the Mediterranean.

The project came to life through an initiative taken by French Ambassador Daniel Rondeau, Speaker Louis Galea and the general secretary of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, Sergio Piazzi. It is supported by French Foreign Affairs Minister Bernard Kouchner After a two-day discussion in Malta, Ulysses will move to its next stop in Tunisia. The voyage will be made by the French frigate Le Cassard which will call at various Mediterranean ports and organise conferences and debates. Speaking during the launch, Dr Galea said the initiative was one way to understand further how to work for solutions to the problems of the Mediterranean.

“This is a symbolic voyage that is starting in Malta to promote ideas and words that unite the different shores of the Mediterranean Sea,” he said.

These discussions will create a framework of understanding which will foster trust and agreement between the countries, he added.