The development, security and stability of the Horn of Africa and Sahel regions remain a priority for Italy, deputy foreign minister Emanuela Del Re said on Wednesday.
The socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic poses a risk to the Horn of Africa's stability at a time of "delicate political transition" in several countries of the region - a process that the European Union must support, Del Re said.
"New actors" are playing an increasingly prominent role in the region and "constructive dialogue" must be set up with them "based on pragmatism and realism" and with the aim of contributing to stability, Del Re stated.
The Horn of Africa and the Sahel require "positive forms of collaboration and development, and in the fight against endemic scourges such as terrorism, organised crime and illegal migration," said Del Re.
De Re made the remarks in a videoconference on the Horn of Africa organised by Finland's foreign minister Pekka Haavisto and attended by top officials from the African Union, the United Nations and the European Commission as well foreign ministers from several countries.
