IANS | 18 Feb, 2024
After inaugurating the two-day annual conference of Soft Power Club, a
leading global organisation headed by Francesco Rutelli, the former
Deputy Prime Minister of Italy, at the Technopark here on Friday, Kerala
Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas said the state government will
soon come out with initiatives to promote Kerala as a preferred venue
for global conferences.
In the context of hosting the event by
Kerala Tourism, Riyas said the state has immense opportunities in this
segment considering its picturesque landscape, eclectic history and rich
cultural heritage.
“The beautiful locales, including hill
stations, beach and backwater destinations, in various parts of the
state make it the most ideal location for international meets. The soft
power at our disposal, which is tourism, is the most potent component
and it has to be harnessed in a sustainable manner,” said Riyas.
G20
Sherpa Amitabh Kant, a former Kerala cadre IAS officer who took Kerala
Tourism to newer heights, said the country blends both its soft and hard
powers to project itself and to ensure that the nation retains its very
unique civilisational approach.
Introducing the Soft Power Club,
Rutelli stressed the need for promoting the value of international
cooperation on strategic issues in the difficult times.
“Kerala as
a venue for this event would be a splendid opportunity to understand,
promote and showcase the country’s positive assets,” said Rutelli.
Ambassador of Italy to India, Vincenzo De Luca, read out a message from Italian President Sergio Mattarella on the occasion.
