Italy is engaged in long-term cooperation with Afghanistan and intends to play a full part in the “confidence-building” process currently under way in the region. This was the declaration made in Kabul today, 14 June 2012, by the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Staffan de Mistura
Speaking at the “Heart of Asia” conference in the Afghan capital, part of the “Istanbul Process”, De Mistura specified three possible forms of Italian intervention. The first would involve assistance in combating drug trafficking – “if we are asked”, he clarified –, which is one of Afghanistan’s most serious problems.
The Italian Government, added De Mistura, is willing to “continue the work it has already undertaken in the infrastructure field, with the focus on airports and roads”. Lastly, he cited education, a key sector where “we want to take action to foster the emancipation of the country’s boys and girls”.
