(ANSA) - Milan, July 31 - Premier Matteo Renzi joined representatives from 83 countries at a conference of culture ministers at the Expo world's fair on Friday.
    The summit was organised by Culture Minister Dario Franceschini to discuss ways to protect global heritage, especially in vulnerable regions hit by political instability, war or natural disasters.
    The Expo auditorium was transformed for the occasion into a scene from the ancient city of Pompeii, one of Italy's top tourist attractions. Ancient archaeological artifacts from the Greco-Roman period were arranged on a large rectangular table, while images of Pompeii were projected on the walls surrounding the ministers.
    Opening the conference, Franceschini pointed out that the artifacts on display are originals that had been stolen and recovered by the art theft squad. "Cultural heritage is threatened by terrorist attacks and destroyed because it is a symbol of different cultures and religions," he said. "Terrorism wants to strike at diversity - and heritage is stolen to be sold on the illegal market."