Undersecretary Tripodi inaugurates the 16th Conference on Archaeological Missions in Türkiye

Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Maria Tripodi inaugurated today in Istanbul the 16^th edition of the Conference on Italian Archaeological Missions in Turkey, organised by the Italian Cultural Institute of Istanbul in collaboration with the Turkish Ministry of Tourism and Culture.

"Archaeology represents a key instrument for promoting Italian cultural diplomacy," the Undersecretary opened, "and archaeologists contribute to social, cultural and economic development, in a continuous scientific exchange with their Turkish counterparts".

For 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is funding 12 Italian missions in Türkiye with a total contribution of EUR 202,500, second only to Iraq in terms of number of missions. The annual Conference on Archaeological Missions in Istanbul is part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation's cultural diplomacy strategy and underlines the central role of archaeology as a leading sector in international scientific cooperation.

Currently, 282 Italian missions are active in over 60 countries, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and promoted by more than 50 institutions, including universities, public entities, and private organisations. These projects involve thousands of Italian and foreign researchers, generating significant benefits in terms of training, technology transfer, and the enhancement of local cultural heritage.