Italy reiterates support for Ethiopia’s dev’t aspirations

Addis Ababa, March 12, 2024 (FBC) – A high-level delegation from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs led by the Director-General for Development Cooperation Stefano Gatti visited the Ministry of Finance of Ethiopia.

The state ministers of finance, Eyob Tekalign and Ms. Semereta Sewasew, who welcomed the delegates, expressed gratitude to the government of the Republic of Italy for the support aligned with Ethiopian government’s priorities, emphasizing the urgent need for accelerated financial assistance.

The Italian delegates, for their part, expressed their satisfaction with the progress and a willingness to collaborate closely to expedite ongoing projects in areas of agro-processing, energy, jobs creation, improving coffee productivity and enhancing its value chains, urban development and expand development cooperation.

Moreover, as president of the G7, Italy pledged support for Ethiopia’s development aspirations, urging the Ethiopian team to leverage climate funds and the “Mattei Plan” for African development, announced by the Italian government in early 2023.

Subsequently, both sides agreed to strengthen communication channels to work closely for the mutual benefit of both nations and their people, as per the Ministry of Finance.

Stefano Gatti was accompanied by the Director of the Italian Development Cooperation Agency, representatives of Italian enterprises, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, and Agostino Palese, Ambassador of Italy to Ethiopia.