1st Annual EUBIROD meeting Dasman Center for Research and Treatment of Diabetes, Kuwait City Kuwait City, Kuwait, 2nd-4th May 2009

International Collaboration for Health Policy

E.Granara, Ambassador of Italy in Kuwait

First BIRO Academy Residential Course, Kuwait City, Kuwait, 2nd May 2009

In this brief introduction, Dr. Enrico Granara, Ambassador of the Italian Republic in Kuwait, confirms the interest of his government for the EUBIROD project as a relevant example of international cooperation. The importance of these initiatives lies in their very pragmatic approach, a potential success factor in a disease where environmental and lifestyle components may play a fundamental role in determining health outcomes.

In his talk, Dr.Granara emphasizes the potential benefits of the Mediterranean diet, as an important aspect of Italian lifestyle that the country would be eager to share with other countries, in Europe and beyond. Enrico congratulates with the University of Perugia for its coordinating role in this project, particularly since it provides the opportunity to the Italian Government and the European Commission to strengthen ties with Gulf Countries. That path must be further explored in new cooperating actions. Finally, Dr.Granara congratulates with the Directors of Dasman, noting the enormous contribution of the EUBIROD leader Prof.Massi Benedetti, an Italian in the capacity of Vice President of the IDF, Research Director at Dasman, and Coordinator of EU projects.