‘Italy-Africa Summit: Bridge for Common Growth’ Kicks Off in Rome with Morocco’s Participation
The Italy-Africa summit, bearing the theme “A Bridge for Common Growth,” kicked off on Monday in Rome, featuring the participation of Aziz Akhannouch, Morocco’s Head of Government, who is representing HM King Mohammed VI.
During the summit’s inaugural address, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni underscored the vast potential and wealth of the African continent, particularly in terms of natural and human resources. She emphasized that global foresight cannot ignore Africa. “The world cannot gaze into the future without turning its eyes towards Africa,” she stated.
Meloni outlined Italy’s cooperative vision with Africa, rooted in the “Mattei Plan,” which she described as an effective and tangible platform for collaboration based on equality. She expressed Italy’s commitment to creating conditions that enable young Africans to envisage their futures in their home countries, thereby addressing the issue of human trafficking.
Antonio Tajani, the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, stressed that Africa holds a position of priority in Italy’s foreign policy. He aspired to establish an “effective and win-win” partnership, highlighting sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure, digital, and new technologies as key areas for collaboration.
The President of the African Union (AU), Azali Assoumani, acknowledged Italy’s efficient support to African nations, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted Italy as one of the largest investors in Africa, with an investment volume of 24 billion euros in 2018.
Africa expressed optimism about Italy’s upcoming presidency of the G7 in 2024, anticipating a significant role in bolstering investments and infrastructure in low-income countries.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, the President of the AU Commission, noted that Africa faces unique challenges in living standards, security, and climate. He commended the “Mattei Plan” as an effective model reflecting Europe’s concrete commitment to assisting Africa.
The Italy-Africa Summit marks a pivotal moment in the Italian government’s ongoing efforts, initiated since taking office. The summit is part of a broader journey that includes bilateral meetings and the Conference on Development and Migration held in Rome in July, launching the ‘Rome Process.’ The upcoming Italian Presidency of the G7 in 2024 will continue this journey, with Africa being a central theme. The summit serves as a forum for high-level institutional discussions, focusing on responses to shared challenges in security, stability, and growth, translating these discussions into concrete initiatives.
The summit will delve into five main themes, namely “Cooperation, Economic Development, and Infrastructure,” “Professional Training and Cultural Promotion,” “Migration Flows and Counterterrorism,” “Challenges of Food Security,” and “Energy Security.” The discussions aim to strengthen the foundational aspects of the Italy-Africa relationship.
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