(Adnkronos) – Africa “is an absolute strategic priority” for Italy, for Europe’s security and “for global balance”, foreign minister Antonio Tajani told the lower house of parliament on Wednesday.
“Africa is an absolute strategic priority for our national interests, for the security of Europe and for global balance,” Tajani said during question time.
“It is at the heart of Italian foreign policy,” Tajani said.
Tajani and interior minister Matteo Piantedosi’s visit last week to Senegal, Mauritania and Niger is “confirms a clear political message,” he said.
In line with its 5.5 billion Mattei Plan to spur Africa’s growth and stabilise the continent, Italy’s approach is based “on listening, dialogue and on fair and equal partnership”, Tajani stated.
“Italy wants to become ‘the voice of Africa in Europe’ and work with African partners on crucial issues like migration, counter-terrorism, energy and food security, as well as growth and economic development,” said Tajani.
The Italy-Senegal Business Forum in late October brought together over 100 Italian companies, Tajani recalled, underlining that trade with Africa had grown 40% in five years to top 54 billion euros in value terms.
Tajani cited new tools for the internationalisation of businesses and the recent opening of diplomatic and cultural offices in Africa as evidence of the government’s concrete steps to enact its blueprint for the continent.
Turning to the problem of jihadism in the Sahel and elsewhere in Africa, Tajani said: “Culture, interfaith dialogue and education are the best antidotes.”
In his remarks to MPs, Tajani thanked “the men and women serving with the Italian MISIN training mission in Niamey – the only remaining Western military presence in Niger.”
MISIN is “crucial for the stability of the Sahel”, Tajani stated.
“The risks of disengagement would be massive: destabilisation, a surge in migration and an increase in the influence of hostile actors,” Tajani warned.
“Italy will continue to invest in Africa to promote shared stability and prosperity,” Tajani concluded.
