We have approved a package of projects, programs and calls for almost 53 million euros, reflecting the Government's ongoing commitment in the field of development cooperation, a pillar of our foreign policy as an increasingly important strategic investment ". Thus the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Angelino Alfano, commented on today's meeting of the Joint Committee for Development Cooperation. Alfano in particular underlined the encouraging prospects of the Italy-Ethiopia 2017-2019 Country Program, "an ambitious program, which confirms and consolidates the partnership with the Ethiopian Authorities in strategic areas of intervention and identified by mutual agreement to counter the root causes of the migratory phenomenon ". The head of the Farnesina also said that he was "particularly pleased with the approval of cooperation initiatives in favor of Sudan and Tunisia, priority partners for Italy". The minister also drew attention to a new project financed by the "Africa Fund" with a contribution of 3,5 million euros, a regional initiative to support the protection of minors who are victims of human rights violations in Senegal, Mali , Gambia, Guinea Conakry, Guinea Bissau and Niger. Finally, the Italian commitment continues in Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine, with interventions in the sectors of assistance to refugees and support for local small and medium-sized enterprises.
