Italian Embassy in Dhaka remembers 2016 attack victims

(ANSA) - ROMA, 03 LUG - The Ambassador of Italy to Bangladesh, Antonio Alessandro, hosted a ceremony at the residence in remembrance of the victims of the attack on the Holey Artisan Bakery restaurant in Dhaka on 1 July 2016, in which nine Italian citizens died. Representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Director General for Italians Abroad, Luigi Maria Vignali, on a mission to Bangladesh for bilateral consultations, also attended the commemoration.
    "The heinous attack of 1 July 2016," said Director Vignali, "failed in its attempt to create hatred and division between Bangladesh and the international community. Instead, it has strengthened our resolve to fight together against terrorism and to build relations in all areas based on dialogue and mutual understanding'.
    The ceremony was also attended by the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh, Amb. Masud Bin Momen, the ambassadors of the United States, Japan and India - countries that also lost citizens in the attack - the local police chief, family members, friends of the victims and representatives of the Italian community.
    Vignali, together with Ambassador Alessandro, then met the UNHCR representative in Bangladesh, Sumbul Rizvi, who thanked Italy for its constant support to the Rohingya refugees.