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our Royal Highness, Ladies and Gentlemen.
Before concluding, allow me to address a few words of thanks, first of all, to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales for giving me the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge in situ of some of the projects carried out by your initiative.
I must confess that I am deeply impressed by this experience and that I find the projects I have visited this morning particularly interesting, not only on account of the scope of their goals and results, but because they are clearly geared to a reality we should not overlook.
The interventions I have had the chance to see here prove that it is possible to take successful action against pockets of urban and social isolation. They show that we can use rich historical heritage -in this case by revitalising old industrial areas- and give them a new content that is conducive to the development of the huge potential that the post-industrial economy offers us.
In Europe we are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of developing innovative and imaginative urban regeneration projects that take advantage of the architectural heritage of our history and, at the same time, are capable of pointing us firmly towards the future. We are realising that creating a quality urban environment and making it accessible for all, are not irreconcilable goals; on the contrary, they are factors which determine our citizens? well-being and therefore lay the basis on which cities can develop in a balanced and constructive way.
Lastly, while it is important for our hospitals -both public and private- to be equipped with suitable technical means and personnel to treat cancer patients, it is no less important for these patients to find a place where they can receive care, advice and support in connection with the whole away of questions that, though not strictly related to the clinical aspects of the disease, are nonetheless essential to their psychological support and comfort.
It remains for me to convey my thanks to all the people who have helped organise this visit to Manchester and, please accept my most sincere congratulations, to all those who have contributed to the success of these projects.