The consul of Italy in Kabul Tommaso Claudi, whose photos taken while rescuing Afghan children in tears from Taliban violence have gone around the world, "showed courage and a spirit of solidarity. He had a quick wit. He made us proud. ". It is with these words that Ambassador Ettore Francesco Sequi, Secretary General of the Farnesina, spoke of the young diplomat who today, in a ceremony at the Foreign Ministry, received the 'The Key of Europe' Award promoted by the Municipality of Ventotene and by the association 'La Nuova Europa'. An award which, in his opinion, emblematically chose a young man and which must be considered "a recognition to all the diplomats who work every day around the world with a spirit of extraordinary service"
While thousands of people were being helped to flee Afghanistan, "no one on the spot asked why we are doing this. We took it for granted that it was our duty. We didn't ask ourselves why. We wondered how to do better." . This was stated by the Consul of Italy in Kabul, Tommaso Claudi, who today, in a ceremony at the Farnesina, received the 'The Key of Europe' award promoted by the Municipality of Ventotene and by the 'La Nuova Europa' association for having saved thousands of people. Claudi - about to leave for Saudi Arabia, his new workplace - underlined "the many images, the dramatic scenes" that he still carries inside: "but more than personal experience, it is the result thatItaly reached in this operation in which 5,000 people, including Italians and Afghans, were sent off. A result that went beyond even expectations and that was only possible as a team effort, by all institutions. I am very honored with this recognition. But it is a tribute to all institutions. This success is a team effort ".