Foreign Minister Emma Bonino’s meeting with the Secretary General of the Organisation of American States, José Miguel Insulza, was an opportunity to review a number of problems affecting South America. The overall background is one, essentially, of stability and economic growth, which in recent years has fuelled a constant rise in revenue. However, negative situations such as growing social inequality, drug trafficking and criminality still exist, and were analysed at today’s meeting.
Minister Bonino noted with satisfaction the progress made by the mechanisms for regional and sub-regional concerted political action that are currently being implemented in American countries. She also expressed her appreciation of the dynamism and leadership shown by the Organisation of American States in terms of political dialogue, the promotion of democratic values, the rule of law and human rights.
The economic integration currently under way in some American countries, commented Minister Bonino, offers Italian companies interesting prospects for investment and increased bilateral trade. Minister Bonino also mentioned that the 6th two-yearly Italy-Latin America and Caribbean Conference will be taking place on 12/13 December 2013. This year, the focus will be support for small and medium-sized enterprises, following the Italian model, the aim being the gradual, continual and sustainable development of the sub-continent.
The Foreign Minister concluded by reminding Mr Insulza that the Italian Government participates with the OAS and the countries of Central America in programmes to combat drug trafficking and trans-national organised crime. A participation that testifies to our Government’s commitment in the continent.
