“I was particularly happy to receive the leader of the Burmese Government: the Italian Government, Parliament and civil society have always heartily supported her personal and peaceful commitment to affirm the cause of democracy and human rights,” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Angelino Alfano, after the close of the meeting with the Foreign Minister and State Counsellor of the State of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi, at the Farnesina. Aung San Suu Kyi won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991.
“From the very beginning, Italy has supported the democratic transition in Myanmar, the national reconciliation process and the Country’s development,” Mr Alfano continued, adding that “Italy is aware of the challenges that still need be faced along the path, still incomplete, towards a full and inclusive democracy.”
The talks also focused on the difficult situation in the Burmese State of Rakhine and the peace process among ethnic groups.
Aware that “socio-economic development is fundamental to reduce tension and assure wellbeing and prosperity,” the Foreign Minister assured his interlocutor that the Italian Government, through development cooperation, intends to “support Myanmar’s capacity building in priority sectors such as governance, rural development, the sustainable management and conservation of cultural heritage, sustainable tourism, and developing small and medium-sized enterprises.”
Lastly, gladdened by the soundness of the bilateral relationship, Mr Alfano and Ms San Suu Kyi outlined the sectors of economic and commercial cooperation and of scientific and technological innovation to be the areas through which further enhance bilateral relations.
