The Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Franco Frattini, has visited the Community of Sant'Egidio, where he met with a delegation. During the meeting several topics were discussed on the international situation and in particular on the situation of Christian minorities in the Middle East and Asia.

After reiterating the concern about the situation of many Christian communities in the East, which the Community has long followed with deep sympathy and friendship, it was focused the need to defend the right to religious freedom for all and in particular the Christian minorities, developing dialogue with the diverse world of Islam, so that the reasons for a more and more necessary living together may prevail, for a more peaceful and secure world.

At the end of the meeting was signed an "Agreement concerning the headquarters and international activities in Italy and abroad of the Community of Sant'Egidio.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs - as is written in the text of the agreement - recognizes that Sant'Egidio is an international body, authoritative and independent of any political affiliation and national particularism. "

The recognition is illustrated in detail in the long list of actions that characterize the efforts of Sant'Egidio for decades in the world: "work for the prevention of humanitarian crises and wars both internal and external, by the promotion of talks and negotiations for the peaceful resolution of conflicts, as well as experimenting with the mediation agreement between the parties aiming at the non-contentious and non-violent resolution of states of belligerency, declared or de-facto; displays private diplomacy acts so that a specific issues may find appropriate solution within the principle of humanity, especially with regard to detention of individuals, the execution of sentences and the taking of hostages and is participating actively in the fight against poverty and promotes extensive programs of aid and intervention in the field of cooperation, as well as in health, social and human rights, especially in developing countries. "

Thanks to the agreement, the Ministry is committed to facilitating "the internationally-oriented activities of the Community to promote peace and solidarity to be held in Italy or abroad, with a formal commitment to strictly respect the complete independence, impartiality and independence, intervention and the autonomy of the Community ".