It is a great honour for me to be here in Juba for the ceremony of presentation of the Letters of Credentials accrediting me as Ambassador of Italy to the Republic of South Sudan.
The bilateral relations between Italy and South Sudan are deeply rooted and valuable. Our Countries are tied by historic relations that date back to the nineteenth century, when Saint Daniele Comboni reached your wonderful territories. Italy has always ensured political and economic support to the cause of South Sudan independence. The engagement of the Italian citizens in the Country, the Italian NGOs and religious organizations will continue to be aimed at contributing to the socioeconomic development of South Sudan.
South Sudan is a priority Country for the Italian Development Cooperation, which carries out high value-added projects in different areas throughout the whole Country. Examples of such win-win cooperation in the field of health, among many interventions, are the establishment of two main hospitals in Rumbek and Wau, as well as one hundred health facilities in the Lakes Region, where we play a crucial role in the training of doctors and other health care-related issues.
In this regard I am glad to announce that an amount worth 7 million Euro have recently been allocated to carry out Italian activities in the upcoming weeks in the Kapoeta and Wau areas with special focuses on education, health and food security and nutrition. The total Italian initiatives portfolio for 2023 amounts to 18 million Euro.
I personally reassured President Salva Kiir that Italy will continue to be on the side of the South Sudanese people for the socio-economic development of South Sudan on a bilateral basis and within the international organizations.
As a founding member of the European Union and third main contributor to the European Union budget, Italy is ready to support all those EU initiatives aimed at promoting the dialogue, the development of South Sudan and the necessary humanitarian assistance.
As co-chair of the IGAD Partners Forum we support the full implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. We believe that there is a crucial window of opportunity to let stability and economic progress prevail throughout the Country. Fulfilling the conditions of the Peace Agreement is of the utmost importance, starting from those related to the next general elections. Such moment shall represent a real turning point for South Sudan and no effort should be spared to allow the first free and fair elections in the Country. In this regard, Italy stands ready to support all the efforts aimed at fostering dialogue and confidence building.
South Sudan is a very young Country with huge potential. In a spirit of genuine friendship, Italy will always stand close to South Sudan and encourages to make all the necessary efforts in order to build a new era of peace, stability and development in the main interest of the People of South Sudan.
