The complexity of European views on Turkey is often neglected, both in Europe and in the United States. European countries are currently divided on Turkey’s prospective membership in the European Union (EU), but along multiple lines.

Sister cities since 1979, Shanghai and Milan share not only strong cultural and artistic traditions but are also their country's economic and financial hearts. For more than 30 years, this relationship has facilitated cultural exchange, served as a platform to share best practices and build stronger economic links.

Pacific Palisades and Agrigento, Italy, have a couple of things in common. The Palisades has the Getty Villa, where Greco-Roman antiquities reign supreme, while Agrigento was a leading Sicilian city during the expansive reign of ancient Greece.

The cultural program for 2011 outlined by the Russian government is really impressive - the "cross" years of culture between Russia, Italy and Spain and a new cycle in humanitarian cooperation with the US.

"A multimedia roadshow of Mille Miglia will be hosted inside the Italian pavilion on May 25," he said highlighting that the event, promoted by Italian Tourism Ministry, is expected to allow visitors to get a closer look at Italian history and culture.

THE Smurfs, the Little Mermaid, Bollywood stars, tenor Andrea Bocelli and the acrobats of Cirque du Soleil are part of a colourful diplomatic offensive to win Chinese hearts at this year's World Expo.

When Mario Resca, the former head of McDonald's Italy, was appointed by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to manage the country's 450 museums and archeological sites, he began by launching a bold - and controversial - campaign.

Download this report. [PDF]