Israeli foreign minister dedicates field hospital in Italy
Liberman on hand to inaugurate mobile maternity ward in region ravaged by May earthquakes
Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman was in the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna on Monday to dedicate a mobile maternity hospital sponsored by Israel.
Emilia-Romagna was devastated by two large earthquakes in May, which left 26 dead and caused widespread damage. At the ceremony, Liberman praised the extensive cooperation between Israel and Italy, particularly during the Carmel fire of 2010, when Italy sent assistance. Israel also sent aid to Italy following a 2008 earthquake.
The mobile field hospital was jointly funded by Israel, Jewish Canadian philanthropist Walter Arbib, and the United Israel Appeal.
During his visit, the foreign minister also became the first Israeli minister to visit the micro-state of San Marino, which is completely surrounded by Italy proper.