Zim, Italy continue to strengthen ties

Abigail Mawonde Herald Reporter
Italian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Enrico De Agostini said it is vital to continue strengthening relations between Zimbabwe and Italy so as to keep the two countries’ relations lively and beneficial.

Ambassador De Agostini said this during the occasion to mark the Italian National Day celebrated in Harare on Tuesday.

“Frankly, we do not know each other that well. Your average Italian would struggle to place Zimbabwe on the map of Africa, and your average Zimbabwean may know the names of a few Italian football teams, but might not be able to identify Ferrari as an Italian company,” he said.

“We therefore must work on deepening our reciprocal knowledge, because knowledge is another key element of partnership. Knowledge is the first step to attract the vital foreign direct investments that Zimbabwe needs to revitalise its economy.

“That is why the Zimbabwean participation in EXPO Milan 2015 from May 1st to October 31st is crucial. It represents a unique opportunity to showcase — not just to Italy but to the world — the best from Zimbabwe, to present business opportunities directly to the potential partners.

“And, I am glad that the Italian Government has decided to invest some $1,5 million to ensure that Zimbabwe would be one of the 148 participants,” ambassador De Agostini said.

He revealed that Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to attend this year’s edition of the EXPO Milan 2015 to be held in Italy in August.

“Vice President Mnangagwa, by the way, has accepted Prime Minister (Mr Matteo) Renzi’s invitation and has announced that he will visit Milan on August 31st when we celebrate Zimbabwe Day at the EXPO,” he said.

The EXPO being hosted by Italy, embraces technology, innovation, culture, traditions and creativity.

Expo 2015 will further develop themes introduced in earlier expos in light of new global scenarios and emerging issues such as the right to health as well as securing sufficient food for all the world’s inhabitants. The theme chosen for the 2015 Milan Universal Exposition is “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life.”

Challenging other members of the diplomatic corps, the Italian envoy said his embassy invested its limited human resources organising cultural activities because, as diplomats they are in the business of delivering messages. “No medium is more powerful than the arts, than culture,” he said.