(Adnkronos) – Africa is “a top strategic priority” for Italy, which has boosted its role in the continent in the past year including in “often-forgotten conflicts” like Sudan and other Sahel countries, foreign minister Antonio Tajani said on monday.
“We have consolidated our action and presence in Africa, one of our top strategic priorities. Our humanitarian and peace efforts, including in often-forgotten conflicts such as Sudan, remain a priority,” Tajani said in a keynote speech to the 18th Conference of Italian Ambassadors.
“With the new ‘Italy for Sudan’ initiative, we will provide concrete support,” Tajani stated.
Tajani referred to a scheme he unveiled to MPs in early November which includes over 125 million euros to boost basic services and assist Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries, and airlift of crucial food aid to over 2,500 children, and a naval mission to give immediate help to some people are homeless in Port Sudan.
The minister also recalled his mission to Mauritania, Senegal, and Niger in late October with interior minister Matteo Piantedosi that aimed to strengthen partnership with the three crucial Sahel countries, their stability, economic growth, fight against jihadist terrorism and trafficking.
“I saw confirmation (during the mission) that we are working in the right direction. We have established a strategy focused on equal dialogue and concrete partnerships, including through the Mattei Plan,” Tajai said.
The 5.5 billion euro Mattei blueprint to propel Africa’s economic growth and stabilise the continent with a focus on ‘non-predatory’ partnerships in five key areas including energy, was unveiled by premier Giorgia Meloni in January last year and aims to make Italy an energy hub to transport natural gas supplies from Africa to the rest of Europe.
“This major effort focuses on many key issues: managing illegal immigration, combatting human trafficking, fighting terrorism, energy and food security, but above all, growth and new economic opportunities,” said Tajani.
“We have opened embassies, cultural institutes, and offices of internationalization agencies. Because Africa’s growth means growth for us,” Tajani underlined.
