President Isaias Afwerki, accompanied by a high-level delegation, embarked on a significant diplomatic mission to Italy from January 31st to February 2nd, aimed at enhancing bilateral relations and fostering mutual cooperation across various sectors. The delegation engaged in a series of comprehensive discussions with key Italian officials and institutions, covering a wide range of topics including historical preservation, cultural exchange, agricultural cooperation, infrastructure development, defense collaboration, and environmental sustainability.
Preserving History and Strengthening Cultural Ties
On January 31st, President Isaias and his delegation held constructive talks with Mr. Gennaro Sangiuliano, the Italian Minister of Culture. The discussions centered on historical archives from the colonial period, particularly documents related to the conscription of Eritreans by Italy during conflicts in Libya and Ethiopia. An agreement was reached for Eritrea to access these archives, with plans underway to establish a museum in Asmara dedicated to preserving this significant historical legacy. Additionally, collaborations were agreed upon to enhance archaeological research at Adulis, an ancient port city, with joint initiatives including cultural exchanges, artistic training programs, and the organization of joint festivals aimed at celebrating the rich heritage shared between Italy and Eritrea.
Promoting Agricultural Excellence
During their visit, President Isaias and his delegation engaged in extensive discussions with Mr. Antonio Paretti, a representative of Italian Agricultural Entrepreneurs, focusing on strategies for cooperation and the exchange of best practices in agricultural production and marketing. President Isaias emphasized the importance of producing high-quality agricultural goods and leveraging technological advancements to bolster Eritrea’s agricultural sector. Both parties explored avenues for collaboration in agricultural research, training, and investment to enhance productivity and sustainability within the sector.
Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation
President Isaias and his delegation met with several key Italian officials, including the Minister of Enterprises, the Minister of Sports and Youth, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and other institutional leaders. These discussions revolved around Eritrea’s commitment to enhancing its transportation infrastructure, water management, railways, irrigation farming, and energy sectors. President Isaias provided detailed updates on the advancements made in water conservation and management, highlighting Eritrea’s progress in these critical areas. The Italian officials expressed significant interest in Eritrea’s development and pledged to encourage Italian businesses to explore investment opportunities and collaboration in various sectors, thereby contributing to mutual economic growth and prosperity.
Defense and Tourism Initiatives
In meetings with the Italian Minister of Defense, Mr. Guido Crosetto, President Isaias reaffirmed Eritrea’s commitment to fostering a partnership based on equality and mutual respect. Discussions highlighted Eritrea’s strategic importance in the Red Sea region, emphasizing its unique position of peace, stability, and military strength. Minister Crosetto expressed Italy’s keen interest in expanding collaborative efforts with Eritrea and underscored the deep-rooted historical connections between the two nations. Both parties explored avenues for enhancing defense cooperation to address regional challenges and ensure stability in the Red Sea region.
President Isaias also engaged with heads of Alpitour Enterprise, a leading company in the tourism sector, to explore the vast tourism potential of Eritrea. With its 1,200 km coastline and over 300 islands, Eritrea offers unique opportunities for tourism development. President Isaias invited the enterprise to visit Eritrea in the near future to craft a joint tourism development plan in cooperation with Eritrean experts, aiming to capitalize on Eritrea’s rich cultural heritage and natural attractions to promote sustainable tourism growth.
Exploring Environmental Solutions
On February 2nd, President Isaias and his delegation visited a waste recycling factory located in the city of Viterbo, 70 km from Rome, to explore innovative environmental solutions and sustainable development practices. The visit underscored Eritrea’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its efforts to explore environmentally-friendly initiatives that contribute to sustainable development and waste management.
These series of meetings mark a significant step towards deepening bilateral relations between Eritrea and Italy, with both nations poised to explore various avenues for collaboration across multiple sectors, including culture, agriculture, infrastructure, defense, tourism, and environmental sustainability. The discussions underscore the shared commitment of Eritrea and Italy towards fostering mutual growth and cooperation for the benefit of both nations and their people.