The Deputy Prime Minister underlined the strategic role of the partnership between Italy and the countries of the Horn of Africa, linked by profound historical and cultural ties, and illustrated the prospects for regional cooperation, both in economic terms and, above all, in terms of regional stabilization .

Regional stability, together with investments and job creation, is in fact an indispensable condition for reducing migratory flows towards Italy and Europe. “Our government is strongly committed to supporting concrete measures for the growth and development of the wider Mediterranean and Africa and thus addressing the root causes of irregular flows, controlled by unscrupulous human traffickers” observed Tajani during the meeting .

The Deputy Prime Minister expressed Italy's great interest in strengthening economic cooperation with the three countries, by virtue of their strategic importance in the region. In the period 2020-2022, our trade with the area steadily exceeded 300 million euros, while the data relating to the first half of 2023 testify to a growth of 23% compared to the previous year.

In order to maintain the priority nature of coordination between Italy, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia, the Vice Prime Minister proposed to hold annual meetings in a quadrilateral format. The launch of a permanent consultation mechanism will make it possible to multiply growth and investment opportunities, also with regard to the education and training sectors and the fight against irregular migratory flows.

Finally, the Deputy Prime Minister underlined the strong attention that, in 2024, the Italian Presidency of the G7 will reserve for the African continent and, in particular, for the Horn of Africa.