On the occasion of the Italy-Africa summit and the adoption of the “Mattei Plan” for energy development, President Sergio Mattarella welcomed 68 African heads of state and government and leaders of international organizations to the Quirinale.
"Your presence here tonight - numerous and qualified - gives concrete expression to the friendship, solid and sincere, that unites our peoples: the Italian Republic is grateful to you. These are bonds also nourished by the presence in Italy of numerous communities of African origin, who are an active and vital part of our society and who, with their precious work, contribute to the economic and cultural growth of our country" said the President, who then added "It is one of the manifestations of that globalization that unites the destinies of our two continents, strongly interconnected with each other".
But it was perhaps the words of the Head of State pronounced during the toast in honor of the participants in the Summit that indicated the spirit of this meeting: "if you want to go fast, run alone.
If you want to go far, go with someone. In order for ours to be a common path, towards the goals of well-being and peace in Africa, Europe and the world, we need to jointly put our respective wills into play. With these hopes, I renew my warmest and most heartfelt welcome to Italy, wishing health and prosperity to all of you and to the friendly African peoples”.
Marcus Barbatus
Article published on 29 January 2024 - 12:16
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