Eritrea: Italian Delegation Visits Development Sites Asmara, Eritrea – An Italian delegation, led by Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs Manlio Di Stefano, recently visited Eritrea to assess the progress of various development projects supported by the Italian government. The delegation visited the Mai Nefhi power plant, which is currently under construction and is expected to provide electricity to over 1 million people. The team also inspected the Embatkala agricultural development site, where farmers are implementing sustainable irrigation techniques. During their visit, the delegation met with high-level Eritrean officials, including President Isaias Afwerki, Foreign Minister Osman Saleh, and Minister of Agriculture Arefaine Berhe. In a meeting with President Afwerki, Undersecretary Di Stefano expressed Italy’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and supporting Eritrea’s development efforts. He emphasized the importance of sustainable and inclusive growth to ensure the well-being of the Eritrean people. President Afwerki thanked the Italian government for its continued support and expressed his appreciation for the delegation’s interest in Eritrea’s development initiatives. He highlighted the government’s focus on infrastructure, energy, and agriculture to enhance economic growth and reduce poverty. The Italian delegation’s visit demonstrates the growing cooperation between Eritrea and Italy in various sectors. The support provided by Italy is expected to contribute significantly to Eritrea’s efforts to achieve its development goals and improve the lives of its citizens.Italian Delegation Visits Development Sites in EritreaItalian Delegation Visits Development Sites in Eritrea On June 25, 2024, in Asmara, a high-level Italian delegation led by Minister Adolfo Urso inspected various development projects in the Dubarwa sub-zone. The delegation included CEOs of several Italian companies. Accompanied by Eritrean officials, the delegation visited the Misilam Dam and Halhale’s agricultural infrastructure. Livestock and Crops Corporation manager Major Kibreab Abraham explained the dam’s significance, water storage capacity, and agro-industrial initiatives. The delegation also toured the Asmara glass factory, Railway station, and repair shop. Experts provided briefings on the facilities’ history and operations. Meanwhile, Minister of Health Amina Nurhusein met with the delegation, including Dr. Gabriele Rumi, Director of Telemedicine at Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic. They discussed potential collaborations in healthcare. In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Dolce Vita textile factory and the Casa Asmara construction project. They were informed about employment opportunities and future plans. Additionally, the delegation explored the historic Asmara Cinema building.Eritrea: Italian delegation visits several development sites Asmara, 27 January 2023 – An Italian delegation led by the Country Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), Ms. Cristina Natoli, visited several development sites in Eritrea from January 23 to 26, 2023. The delegation visited the Mai Nefhi Agricultural Research Center, the Adi Haltsi Dam, and the Gash Barka Water Diversion Project. During the visit, Ms. Natoli held discussions with Eritrean officials, including the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Arefaine Berhe, and the Minister of Water Resources, Mr. Habte Erhe. The Italian delegation expressed their appreciation for the progress made by the Eritrean government in the implementation of these development projects and reaffirmed their commitment to continue supporting Eritrea’s efforts to achieve sustainable development. The visit was part of AICS’s ongoing engagement with Eritrea in the areas of agriculture, water resources, and infrastructure development. AICS has been providing support to Eritrea since 1994 and has financed several development projects in the country.