Rome, 24 May (LaPresse) – ‘On behalf of the Italian Government and on a personal note, I wish to express my most sincere and profound gratitude for the courage, professionalism and humanity demonstrated by Sami Paakkarinen, Jenni Westerlund and Patrik Gronqvist during the complex operations to recover the bodies of the five Italian citizens who tragically lost their lives in the waters off the Maldives on 14 May.’ This was posted on social media by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. ‘At a time of immense grief for the victims’ families and for the entire Italian community, the mission you carried out, in support of the operations managed by the Maldivian Coast Guard, represented not only a valuable operational contribution, but also an act of extraordinary humanity,’ emphasised the Foreign Minister. The dedication and generosity with which you faced exceptionally difficult circumstances deserve the highest recognition.‘ ’Italy is extremely grateful for your commitment,‘ concludes Tajani. ’You have worked with competence, self-sacrifice and a very strong sense of duty, without shying away from the most arduous situations. Your gesture demonstrates how solidarity and altruism represent the most authentic foundation of the friendship between Italy and Finland, helping to strengthen the deep bonds that already unite our two countries.”