In framework of the visit to Italy the South Ossetian Foreign Minister Dmitriy Medoev visited Florence on October 19, 2017, where attended Piazzale Bambine e Bambini di Beslan, a square named after the children of Beslan, killed and injured as a result of the terror attack in September 2004.

The meeting of Minister Medoev with Professor Franco Cardini, a famous historian, also took place.

During the meeting the Professor was presented with a photobook “South Ossetia” by Tamara Shavlokhova, a famous South Ossetian historian and expert of fine art photography. In his turn Professor Cardini presented Dmitry Medoev with his new book on history of Florence.

On the same day a press conference on studying of the ancient history and the culture of Alania was held in Fuglino Lecture Hall (Educatorio dell Fuglino) of the University of Florence by Minister Medoev. Giulietto Chiesa, representative of the Parliament of the Republic of South Ossetia in the European Parliament, and Franco Cardini, professor at the University of Florence, participated in the conference as well.

In his opening speech on behalf of the people of Ossetia and him personally Dmitriy Medoev thanked the local authorities and citizens of Florence for the shown sympathy and the decision to name one of the city squares after the children of Beslan.

During the press conference the Minister emphasized issues of development of the South Ossetian-Russian relations and shared with the audience information on the condition of science in South Ossetia.

Professor Cardini spoke in detail about the Alans’ role in the formation of modern European culture and marked their significant contribution to the history of many European nations. At the end of his speech Mr. Cardini gave permission to reissue in South Ossetia his fundamental work “The Origins of Medieval Chivalry” with a new author's preface to the Ossetian edition.

The press conference was of great interest for the attendees.