(ANSA) - TRIESTE, SEP 8 - Regional cooperation and CEI activities, with a particular emphasis on the role of connectivity as a key factor in European development and integration, were among the topics discussed during a meeting between Riccardo Guariglia, Secretary General of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Franco Dal Mas, Secretary General of the Central European Initiative (CEI), hosted by Luca Gori, Italian Ambassador to Serbia. According to CEI, other topics discussed at the meeting included the strategic Trieste-Belgrade connection project, which is becoming increasingly important, particularly given the opportunities provided by the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) and Trieste's role as a strategic geopolitical hub. (ANSA).