“We are aware of the challenges in terms of the energy transition in the North African and Middle East region. Italy intends to act as a bridge builder in the Mediterranean, and to facilitate the transition to green energy. To do so a strong partnership is required between the OECD and the other Countries in the region”. This is what Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marina Sereni, had to say, speaking at the conference entitled: “Ensuring the Resilience and Continuity of Critical Infrastructures and Services: Learning from the COVID-19 crisis”, dedicated to the continuity and protection of critical infrastructures, promoted by the MENA-OECD Programme, that Italy co-chairs with Turkey.
“Without efficient services for procuring energy, transport, water, the financial market, health assistance, and communication via the internet, it will be more difficult to overcome the current health and economic crisis. Ensuring the continuity and security of infrastructures and services is therefore a priority when it comes to cooperation between the Countries for sustainable, inclusive growth throughout the area in question”.
“To deal with the challenges brought about by the crisis, we need to act together. The public and private sectors must be able to cooperate, in order to ensure the resilience of the system, overcoming divisions, and clearly focussing on the green economy and energy transition. These are essential factors for promoting growth in the Countries on the Mediterranean’s southern coastline”.