Undersecretary Silli’s mission to Addis Ababa for talks with Ethiopian political authorities and meetings with the Italian business and civil communities in Ethiopia

On 27 November, Undersecretary Silli went on a mission to Addis Ababa, where he held meetings with both the Ethiopian political authorities and the Italian business and civil community.

"Italy and Ethiopia are united by the deep bonds of friendship as well as by historical and intense bilateral relations. Ethiopia is a strategic partner for us," said Undersecretary Silli during his meeting with the Ethiopian Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Mesganu Arga. Silli reiterated Italy's support for Ethiopia, in the conviction that the country will play a constructive role in favour of peace and stability both internally and in the Horn of Africa, where increasing instability is a source of deep concern.

There was also talk of the opportunities for further joint work in the fight against irregular migration and the gradual removal of European visa restrictions for Ethiopian citizens.

The fight against climate change, security, and energy transition were the main topics of the meeting with the Ethiopian Minister of Energy and Water, Habtamu Itefa, to whom Undersecretary Silli highlighted the opportunities offered by the Mattei Plan for Africa, which places the climate-energy nexus among its pillars for the promotion of sustainable growth in the continent. In this regard, Ethiopia is one of the priority countries, with an important initiative for the sustainable development of the city of Jimma.

Furthermore, Undersecretary Silli exchanged views on issues under his delegation, such as human rights, international adoptions, and the moratorium on the death penalty, with the Ethiopian Minister of Justice, Hanna Arayaselassie, and the Ethiopian Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Ergoge Tesfaye.

The visit to the Italian Institute of Culture and the Istituto Italiano Statale Omnicomprensivo "Galileo Galilei" in Addis Ababa made it possible to ascertain the excellent state of bilateral cultural relations, as nourished by a collaboration that ranges from contemporary art to music and cinema. On the 70^th anniversary of the founding of the Italian State Institute in Addis Ababa, Undersecretary Silli highlighted the recent inauguration of a new course of study, dedicated to information technology and telecommunications, a crucial sector for better knowing and understanding the contemporary world.

Finally, the Undersecretary met the Italian business and civil community in Ethiopia at the Embassy. "I am very pleased to note the presence of a community that is ancient in origin but constantly renewed over time, which is deeply rooted in the social, economic and cultural context of Ethiopia. Since its arrival, it has contributed substantially to the country's development, creating solid and lasting ties in all sectors," said Undersecretary Silli, highlighting the community's role as a vehicle for the promotion of Italian culture and language, as well as the innovation and creativity that characterise our economic system.