“For those who ask me where I'm from, I can finally answer: I'm half Neapolitan and half Belo Horizonte!”
Born in Naples, Italy, and graduated in Political Science from the University degli Studi di Napoli L'Orientale, Dario Savarese took office as Italian consul in Belo Horizonte in June 2018. Married to Irene and parents of two children, Bruno and Marco, he was also honored, at the end of last year, with the title of honorary citizen of Belo Horizonte.
In an interview for Paulo Navarro's column, published in the newspaper O Tempo, the diplomat talks about family, career and the charm of Belo Horizonte. Check it out:
What does being the newest honorary citizen of Belo Horizonte add to your diplomatic career?
After being granted honorary citizenship of Belo Horizonte, for those who ask me where I'm from, I can finally answer: I'm half Neapolitan and half Belo Horizonte! This testimony of friendship and esteem further reinforced my desire to leave a positive mark on relations between Italy and Minas Gerais.
What is your view of the city that welcomed you?
It is a modern, very efficient city, a true metropolis. The quality of life is very high and the people are incredibly kind. And even if it rains, the blue sky is like a drug, it creates addiction. My family and I also started traveling to other parts of the state and it is wonderful, the natural and architectural beauty is breathtaking.
Married? Children?
I have been married to Irene for 5 years and we have two children, aged 5 and 2.
Does the large number of patricians make you feel at home?
Certainly. Everyone here is a little bit Italian and they make a point of highlighting that. And non-Italians often show a lot of sympathy for Italy. Furthermore, you can eat as well as in Naples and, most importantly, you can find really good pizza, which helps you not feel far from home.
Dario Savarese assumed the role of Italian consul in Belo Horizonte in June 2018. Photo: O Tempo
What values do you have in your DNA?
If we talk about the values that were transmitted to me by my family, I believe that the most important things are the dignity of work, hospitality, simplicity and friendship. To these are added the institutional values of honor and responsibility to represent Italy abroad.
And from Naples, your hometown?
The love for my favorite team, Napoli. But also a certain artistic streak. Naples is a city brimming with cultural and gastronomic wonders. And even though it's been ten years since I left her, I always carry those things with me.
How did diplomacy come into your life?
At university I met a girl who wanted to go into diplomacy and who convinced me to enroll in a preparatory school. She later chose to study Business School while I continued. I married that girl!
What activities did you carry out in your career?
Until now I have dedicated myself to economic diplomacy. In Rome I worked on intellectual property, economic sanctions, the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism. In Tunisia I was the head of the commercial sector. Here too, I pay special attention to economic aspects and the demands of companies.
How many countries have you had your passport stamped, and in which of them did you work in that role?
I served in half of Europe, the United States, Cuba, and various countries in the Middle East and North Africa. I worked for four years in Tunisia, and while serving in Rome, I participated in several overseas missions in fascinating places such as Japan and Turkey.
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