A delegation from the Italian Foreign Ministry led by Italy’s Special Envoy for Gaza Reconstruction, Ambassador Bruno Archi, travelled on 16–17 February to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to discuss possible synergies with the two Middle Eastern countries on reconstruction and development projects in the Gaza Strip, also in light of the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace (BoP), scheduled for tomorrow, 19 February, in Washington.
In Riyadh, Archi discussed with the Saudi authorities the training of future Palestinian security forces to be deployed in Gaza, referring to the pilot project launched by the Carabinieri in Jordan aimed at training 50 Palestinian police officers.
In the Emirates, the Special Envoy acknowledged the leading role of Abu Dhabi in reconstruction efforts in the Strip and reiterated Italy’s willingness to contribute during the forthcoming phases.
During the mission, the Special Envoy also recalled Italy’s commitment to the Palestinian population through the Food For Gaza initiative, under which Italy has allocated over EUR 130 million, helping to distribute approximately 2,400 tonnes of food aid, medicines and essential supplies.
