By Lubna Abdel-Aziz There is an art to living, and the key lies in successful dialogue. Successful dialogue on an international level is the art of diplomacy. International relations are marked by the success of professional diplomats, without whom the world would be an even sadder place. A flurry of summer activities, dinners, parties, gatherings and celebrations, left many a tearful eye as Egyptians lined up to bid goodbye to their favourite diplomat, His Excellency Antonio , Ambassador of Italy. It was four years ago that landed on our shores as head of the Italian Mission, Ambassador to Egypt. Day by day, hour by hour, he lost no time in accumulating information and seeking enlightenment about Egypt and the Egyptians in all walks of life - social, political, academic, economic, literary, industrial, and artistic circles. All who crossed his path applauded his kindness, his elegance, his taste, and his spirit. He preserved to each and everyone, a gentle word, a well-thought viewpoint, an intelligent remark, a look of understanding, a touch of the hand, a sparkle in the eye, and above all a broad and warm smile that came from the heart. His regular, lavish hospitality will remain unforgettable. Refined and unaffected, chose to appreciate quality and substance, deprecating those poor and feeble traits of the pretentious and hypocritical. 's major attribute however, was his determined absorption of all things Egyptian, adopting this country as his own, dedicating his tenure to its service. The result was the emergence of Italy as Egypt's premier European partner on every level, particularly in investment and commerce. He opened the workplace for Egyptian youth in Italy, and it is estimated that 60,000 workers now reside in Italy. Italy has now become a leading buyer of Egyptian goods preserving the trade equilibrium between the two countries. Over 60 Italian authors, editors, journalists, historians, university professors visited Egypt to share in the famous Cairo Book Fair of 2007, where Italy was honoured this year. Is it therefore any wonder that President Hosni Mubarak awarded the tireless Ambassador the highest Egyptian Honour bestowed upon any foreign dignitary, the Decoration of the Republic of the First Order. This is by no means an everyday occurrence. In fact the last time a foreign Ambassador was thus honoured was three decades ago. 's love affair with Egypt flourished on all fronts. Like another famous Roman before him, not only did he come, and see and conquer, he also fell in love 'neath the starry skies and swaying palms of our scintillating capital. In a ceremony more reminiscent of a thousand and one nights of ancient Araby, held on the Embassy grounds Antonio wed the gorgeous Dounia Abourashid, a sultry beauty from Morocco. Dounia, a remarkable woman in her own right, is a French professor of modern Arabic literature, who managed to complete her PhD, while juggling the many duties of Ambassador's wife with her academic studies and professional responsibilities, our hearts grew even fonder of as we saw Dounia stand unfailingly by his side -- cultivated, intellectual, oozing with charm, grace, and subtle finesse. If diplomacy is indeed an art, which it is, it is one of the oldest, going back to the days when human beings started negotiating with each other. It became an established art of ancient Greece and Rome. The word stems from the Greek 'diploma,' which literally means 'folded in two,' a certificate given upon completion of a course of study -- typically folded in two. The word "diploma" assumed a new meaning during the days of the Roman Empire. It was used to describe official travel documents, passports, passes, etc. and was later extended to cover other official documents. The French, during the 1700s, called their body of officials to other foreign legations 'corps diplomatique.' The English word 'diplomacy' was introduced by British political statesman Edmund Burke in 1796, based on the French 'diplomatie.' The English excelled in diplomacy leaving them at one time in control of half the world, yet the origins of modern diplomacy are traced back to the states of Northern Italy in the early Renaissance. The first embassies were established in the 13th century by the various Italian states. It was therefore in Italy that many of the traditions of modern diplomacy began. It is only natural that a son of Italy would become such a distinguished diplomat! Not every head of a foreign delegation makes a good ambassador. With the state of the world more complex than at any time, engaging in the traditional forms of international relations is no longer sufficient. A good ambassador deals with far more multifaceted factors than international relations. While dealing with political, military, scientific, and economic affairs, it is the cultural affairs that are the glue that seem to hold relations together. Plunging into the depth of Egyptian culture, sowed the seed of goodwill and equal partnership between two states. In his latest book "New Horizons of Intellectual Dialogue" published by Dar El Shorouk, states that no dialogue can be successful unless it embodies the spirit of justice and human equality. was instrumental in changing Egypt's monetary debt to Italy, in the development and construction of schools and medical centres, and has made Italy an active participant in the campaign to "greener pastures," transforming deserts into agricultural land. All this and more was 's daily concern -- how Italy his native land, can help Egypt, his temporary home. He dwelled on our similarities rather than our differences, always with a positive outlook on all that he saw. He carefully avoided the reckless way in which foreigners pluck opinions in this coarse indelicate world of ours. Tasting of the fruit of the land, his inward spiritual grace defined his views, refining what was less than fine. served his country in a variety of posts from snowy Oslo to sunny Algiers. He also authored many books and essays that were published in major newspapers worldwide. Such a meritorious life was earned by hard work and dedication and a noble heart that deserved, and received, the joyful admiration of all. As ends his illustrious career in diplomacy in the land of Egypt, he leaves behind a grateful nation, an appreciative state, and an army of friends who lost their heart to the emissary of Italy. If diplomacy is indeed an art, is a master of this fine art, the likes of which we may never see again! Arrivederci Antonio and Dounia, children of Italy, Morocco, and now of Egypt! A diplomat is a man who remembers a lady's birthday, but forget her age -- Anonymous
