Beijing – The Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Benedetto Della Vedova, spoke today in Beijing at the Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan as part of the Istanbul-Heart of Asia Process. This regional cooperation mechanism promotes peace in Afghanistan, as well as the country’s stabilization. Della Vedova spoke on behalf of the European Union, and expressed strong support for regional cooperation as the key to economic development, stability and respect for human rights. “Italy has had a leading role on road infrastructure in Afghanistan within the Istanbul Process, and will continue to support it. In addition, Italy remains strongly committed to bilateral and multilateral development cooperation. Via both the EU and the World Bank, Italy has supported human rights and gender equality.” (9Colonne)
