How Africa News
African Union Commission chair, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has lead a delegation of African leaders to first ever ‘Africa – Italy Ministerial Conference” aimed at strengthening Italy’s relations with Africa in Agriculture, technology and renewable energy.
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At least 45 ministers from an equal number of African countries are expected to be there, including Africa’s permanent representatives to the United Nations and top representatives of at least 15 International and Regional Organisation of the United Nations.
The conference that is set to start today is a continuation of the Italy – Africa Initiative launched in 2013, which refocused Italy’s attention on Africa. The conference will discuss further economic development such as in infrastructure, agriculture, small and medium enterprises in Africa; in addition talk about the sustainability of migration, peace and security in Africa plus balancing development needs with the environment sustainability.
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Among the African delegations that have arrived in Italy include Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, Mozambique’s Foreign Affairs and Cooperation deputy minister Nyeleti Mondlane, Angola’s minister of Foreign Affairs, Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, and cabinet secretary of Kenya’s Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ministry Amina Mohammed among others.
Italian President Giorgio Napolitano will open the plenary session and will be followed by speeches by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Paolo Gentiloni and Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Chad (rotating presidency of the rotating Council of the African Union).
