This morning, at Palazzo SUMS, the works of the 50th edition of the Council of San Marino citizens living abroad began. In the presence of the Minister of Internal Affairs and the Representatives of the four Rings - Argentinian, French, Italian and US - the historical importance of this event was recalled, and then the San Marino national anthem was played.

Over the next few days, the participants will be engaged in a sui generis Council, since it will be a combination of work on issues of particular concern to fellow citizens abroad, a reminder of the main achievements of previous editions and a celebration of today's important milestone.

Even though many decades have passed, the primary vocation of the Council remains the same: to allow people of different ages and geographic origins who share a strong sense of belonging to the ancient Republic of San Marino to meet and exchange views, and to emphasise this sense of belonging also through ever-stronger measures and interventions, which ensure a constant connection.

One of the many innovations of this significant and symbolic edition is the increase in the number of participants, as this year's edition will also be attended by former presidents, who will be awarded a medal of merit in recognition of their constant and voluntary commitment in favour of the Council.  Moreover, compared to the 2022 edition, eight young people, who had distinguished themselves at the Cultural Stays held in San Marino last July, will be attending the event.

One of the initiatives proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in close collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs, is the so-called "wall of memories", placed in the atrium of Palazzo SUMS and on which the various Communities were able to post photographs, testimonies of their activities, documents, sketches, letters, thoughts and memories of past editions.

To mark the occasion, an emotional short film featuring the highlights of the first 49 Councils was also produced, and a special stamp with a commemorative cancellation was issued.

In the afternoon, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luca Beccari, returning from Granada, will deliver his institutional speech as Honorary President. In the late afternoon, the Representatives of the Council will be received in audience by Their Excellencies the Captains Regent, H.E. Filippo Tamagni and H.E. Gaetano Troina, introduced by Minister Beccari.

"I am satisfied with the commitment of this Ministry and the Department of Foreign Affairs, for the celebration of the special occasion of the 50th edition of the Council," said Minister Beccari, "The Council intends to emphasise the value of an initiative that is still modern with regard to its content and is undoubtedly a privileged means of uniting and strengthening the bond between our fellow citizens residing inside and outside San Marino's borders".

San Marino, 6 October 2023