The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Benedetto Della Vedova, will be in Port Moresby, in Papua New Guinea, on 11 and 12 September. He will be attending the Post Forum Dialogue of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and making a bilateral visit to the country.
“Italy, which since 2007 has been a partner of the organisation that groups together the Pacific island states, will be taking part in the Post Forum Dialogue to underscore its commitment alongside these countries. A commitment that encompasses climate change, security, health, sustainable fishing and connectivity: challenges that have a significant impact on the islands of Oceania and their economies”, observed Della Vedova. He explained that “we are aiming to increase our collaboration with the countries of Oceania, including in the United Nations context, in the run-up to the Climate Conference in Paris in December 2015”.
Strengthening bilateral relations with Papua New Guinea
In Port Moresby, the Under-Secretary will be meeting the authorities of Papua New Guinea to discuss and strengthen bilateral relations, including in the economic sphere, especially as regards infrastructure.
Australian meetings for Della Vedova
From 13 to 15 September Della Vedova will be visiting Australia. In Sydney he will meet the business community and potential Australian investors, as well as Italian companies working in the country. Moving on to Canberra, he will have meetings with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Warren Truss, and with other members of the government and of parliament. These include Foreign Minister Julie Bishop; the Minister for Trade and Investment, Andrew Robb; and the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Steven Ciorbo.
During his talks with his Australian counterparties, Under-Secretary Della Vedova will discuss economic collaboration and political and security relations, as well as migration.