Italian Commitment to the Sahel: A Focus on Partnership and Development
Italy Reaffirms its Pledge to African Cooperation at Sahel Alliance Assembly
July 30th, 2024
Ambassador Armando Varricchio reaffirmed Italy's steadfast commitment to cooperation with African countries, guided by the principles of the Mattei Plan. Speaking at the fifth general assembly of the Sahel Alliance, he emphasized Italy's dedication to fostering partnerships based on equality and shared interests, while respecting the priorities outlined by African partners.
The assembly, held in Berlin at the invitation of Germany's Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Svenja Schulze, who currently presides over the initiative, highlighted the ongoing international efforts to support the Sahel region.
Ambassador Varricchio underscored the importance of maintaining a high level of attention and commitment to the Sahel through all available channels. He detailed Italy's targeted initiatives, which aim to address key areas such as food security, rural development, education, and the fight against climate change's adverse effects. These efforts are designed to directly benefit the local populations, aligning with Italy's broader developmental goals.
The Sahel Alliance, established in 2017, serves as an international platform for enhanced cooperation, aiming to provide concrete and collective responses to the region's developmental challenges. It supports the most vulnerable populations in the Sahel, a region currently grappling with significant political and security issues. Despite these challenges, the alliance strives to sustain and strengthen international engagement.
The assembly saw participation from representatives of the 27 member states and observers, along with delegates from international financial institutions and development banks. Manuela Del Re, the EU's Special Envoy for the Sahel, addressed the assembly on behalf of the European Union, reiterating the EU's support for the region.
The discussions in Berlin reinforced the collective resolve to bolster international cooperation and development efforts in the Sahel, reflecting a unified commitment to addressing the region's pressing challenges and fostering sustainable growth and stability.
