It is with deep sorrow and regret that the AII Permanent Secretariat announces the death of Amb. Alessandro Grafini (75). He passed away yesterday in his hometown Venice for a sudden illness.

From 2008 to 2011 he has been the first Secretary General of the Adriatic and Ionian Initiative leading the Permanent Secretariat during the challenging period of its establishment in Ancona.

Amb. Grafini enjoyed a successful diplomatic career as he covered the position of Ambassador of the Republic of Italy in Wien, Sofia and Zagreb.

The Secretary General and the staff of the Permanent Secretariat fondly remember Amb. Grafini and the time spent with him.