(Adnkronos) – Italy’s humanitarian and diplomatic commitment to major international emergencie – from Gaza to Suda – is being strengthened through increasingly close cooperation between its institutions, United Nations agencies, and businesses, foreign minister Antonio Tajani said Tuesday, underlining that Rome doesn’t “turn a blind eye” to suffering or “forgotten conflicts” .
“We have sent a strong signal that Italy does not look the other way – that Italy stands with the populations suffering the most, including those in forgotten wars,” Tajani said.
Tajani was speaking at a seminar at the foreign ministry on cooperation on procurement procedures for goods and services between UN agencies headquartered in Rome and Italian businesses
Tajani lauded the government’s humanitarian initiatives, emphasising: “In Gaza, we have truly been a model of excellence.”
“This project has received the most support, even at international level, thanks to its ability to engage with both the Israelis and the Palestinians,” Tajani underlined.
Tajani referred to the Food for Gaza project that Italy’s government launched in March 2024 with the Rome-based UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and World Food Programme and the Red Cross. The scheme hs delivered some 2,400 tonnes of food, medical aid and essential items, as well as according to the most recent information on the foreign ministry website.
“This model is now being extended to sub-Saharan Africa through the Italy for Sudan programme, launched by the government to bring relief to populations who are victims of a forgotten war,” he added.
Tajani also paid tribute to the vital role played by Italy’s private sector which had helped the government deliver concrete solidarily in crisis zones.
“We are able to do all this not only thanks to the ministry’s efforts, but also thanks to the contributions of many generous businesses who have donated their products,” Tajani said.
Tuesday’s seminar provided Italian companies with a valuable technical platform to gain a deeper understanding of the procedures and requirements needed to actively collaborate on procurement activities with the FAO, WFP and IFAD (the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development) and take part in tenders from the four agencies, Tajani noted.
