Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi is in London to take part in the meeting of the “Friends of Yemen” meeting on 7 March 2013. The meeting brings together representatives of 31 countries, including Germany and Turkey, and 8 international organisations engaged in promoting the stabilisation of Yemen.
Every effort must be made to encourage transition, says Terzi
On the table are crucial dossiers for Yemen’s future: from institution-building, to the opening of the national dialogue to security, both at sea and on the land. At his many bilateral meetings with Arab and Western colleagues in recent months, Minister Terzi has repeatedly underscored the need to make every possible effort to encourage the transition process in Yemen. A country that is “decisive for the stability of a large area extending from the Gulf, to the Horn of Africa, to Suez”.
Political support and development cooperation
Italy is convinced that Yemen can become a positive example for the entire region. In the run-up to the first meeting of the National Dialogue Conference in Yemen itself, Minister Terzi will reiterate in London today that Italy intends to go on playing a leading role in fostering the transition. This will encompass both political support and Development Cooperation programmes.
5th meeting, the result of an Italian initiative
Italy is one of the leading countries in its committed support for the stability process in Yemen, explained Terzi. He pointed out that the meeting in London, the fifth, is the result of “an initiative started by Italy three years ago”. Terzi went on to explain that Italy’s involvement includes a number of specific elements on the bilateral level too, most notably in maritime security and combating piracy.
