(ANSA) - TRIESTE, OCT. 28 - Slovenia's Ambassador to Italy, Melita Gabrič, accompanied by Consul Tomaž Kunstelj, was received this morning at City Hall by Gorizia Mayor Rodolfo Ziberna. "Not only did I wish her every success in her work on behalf of the entire city - the mayor said - but Go!2025 also featured prominently in our discussions. I explained to the ambassador how the joint bid by Nova Gorica and Gorizia to become the 2025 European Capital of Culture came about, marking the first cross-border European Capital of Culture in history, and how our project succeeded because we all rowed in the same direction, even through often stormy seas." Ziberna also extended greetings in his capacity as president of the National Association of Italian Municipalities' (ANCI) Standing Committee on European and International Affairs. According to a statement, Ambassador Gabrič praised the achievements of the initiative and agreed on the importance of continuing along the path already undertaken. "The meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to further strengthening institutional ties and building on the legacy and spirit of Go!2025 - the mayor added - while continuing to consolidate the already strong bonds of friendship that unite us." (ANSA).