President Mattarella to visit Ethiopia next Sunday

Addis Ababa, March 11, 2016 (FBC) – The President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, is expected in Ethiopia next Sunday for a State Visit from the 13th to the 17th of March, 2016.

The mission, the first of an Italian President after almost twenty years, will mark at the highest possible level the excellent phase of bilateral relationship between Ethiopia and Italy in all sectors.

President Mattarella, who will be accompanied by the Minister of Education, University and Research, Stefania Giannini, and by the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mario Giro, will hold meetings with the President of Ethiopia, Mulatu Teshome, and Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn.

The privileged partnership between the two countries in the fields of economic development, regional stability and migration issues will be discussed, as well as the prospects of further cooperation, especially in the cultural and academic sectors.

President Mattarella will also visit a refugee camp in Gambela, supported by the Italian Development Agency, attesting Italy’s commitment to stand by the Ethiopian authorities in managing the increasing flows of refugees and migrants.

According to a statement the Embassy of Italy sent to FBC today, the mission will also include a visit to the World Heritage Site of Lalibela, in order to pay tribute to the impressive historical and cultural richness of Ethiopia.

The President will also meet the Italian Community in Ethiopia, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission and Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Abune Mathias.