Minister Bonino meets the President of the African Union, Zuma at the MFA

ROME, Italy, June 27, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Foreign Minister Emma Bonino met the President of the African Union (AU), the South African Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, at the Foreign Ministry today, 26 June. The meeting reflects Italy's policy of strengthening dialogue with Africa and with the African Union.

Women and young people in African societies

The need to increase women's role in Africa societies was underscored as a crucial element in the African continent's social and economic development. President Zuma commented that the potential of a young and dynamic population should be expressed through training programmes at both African Union level and bilaterally.

Minister Bonino noted the complementary relationship between many African economies and the Italian economic system, which could supply technology in the agri-food, textile, energy and machinery sectors.

Stabilisation processes in Libya, Somalia and Mali – Italy's commitment

The meeting was an opportunity to exchange views on political developments in Africa and the main situations of instability in the continent. Minister Bonino reiterated Italy's commitment to the stabilisation processes in Libya, Somalia and Mali at both the European and bilateral levels, in the justice, security and Development Cooperation sectors.

EU-Africa summit 2014

Minister Bonino and President Dlamini-Zuma also discussed African Union-European Union relations. They agreed on the importance of the 4th EU-Africa summit scheduled to take place in Brussels in the first half of 2014. The summit should provide an opportunity to revitalise EU-AU partnerships, with greater consideration for the unique needs of the African countries concerned.