The Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Massimo Dell’Utri, visited Panama to attend the 31st Ordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) and the 56th Ordinary Session of the General Assembly of the Organisation of American States (OAS). Italy has observer status in both Organisations. Participation in the two events provided an opportunity to deepen political dialogue with the countries in the region, with a view to strengthening cooperation on issues of mutual interest, including sustainable development, regional integration, support for democracy, security and the fight against organised crime and illicit trafficking, climate resilience and inclusive economic growth.
During the conference, Dell’Utri held talks with ACS Secretary General Espinoza and OSA Secretary General Ramdin, and spoke at the side event organised by OSA and the Embassy of Italy on the Blue Economy. The Undersecretary also held meetings with the Heads of Delegation of the participating countries, during which they discussed prospects for further strengthening cooperation in the political and economic-trade spheres and in the fight against organised crime, whilst with the representatives of Uruguay and Argentina they explored in greater depth the valuable role played by the numerous Italian communities present in those countries, as well as expectations for the growth of economic and trade relations, not least in light of the provisional application of the EU-Mercosur Agreement.
Finally, Undersecretary Dell’Utri held a meeting with the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs of Panama, during which they discussed collaborative initiatives to fight transnational organised crime and corruption, as well as the economic opportunities for Italian companies, which are growing significantly.