Europe and Africa's futures are interlinked and Italy stands ready to aid peace and prosperity in the African continent as one of its "most careful and sensitive interlocutors," head of state Sergio Mattarella said on Thursday.
"Beyond political dialectic and heated debate on the issues that affect our future - migration, economic growth, political integration, security and the fight against terrorism - you will always find Italy to be among your most careful and sensitive interlocutors," said Mattarella.
He was addressing the opening of the Italy-Africa conference at the foreign ministry in Rome, attended by delegations from over 40 African countries.
"Our shared commitments, also in the various multilateral forums in which we take part, can give fresh impetus to our efforts, but also, I hope, create a greater awareness on your part of the ways that Italy can aid peace and prosperity," Mattarella stated.
Europe and Africa are "united" by an "idea of a shared destiny" which is rooted in antiquity and which is crucial to the stability, prosperity and security of both continents, Mattarella said.
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