Ambassador Coppola Strengthens Diplomatic Ties with Comoros

On February 27, 2023, Italian Ambassador Giuseppe Coppola presented his credentials to Comoros President Azali Assoumani, discussing ways to enhance bilateral cooperation. Meetings with various Comorian ministers highlighted the call for a stronger Italian presence in energy, agriculture, and tourism. The discussions also revolved around Italy’s initiatives in waste management and renewable energy. The Comoros archipelago’s strategic location underscored its trade and tourism potential as it approaches its 50th independence anniversary in 2025.

On February 27, 2023, Giuseppe Coppola, the Italian Ambassador to Tanzania, formally presented his letters of credence to the President of the Union of the Comoros, Azali Assoumani. During the meeting, President Assoumani expressed his desire to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations with Italy and mentioned his friendly participation as the president of the African Union at the upcoming Italy-Africa summit in January 2024.

Ambassador Coppola, accompanied by Honorary Consul Saverio Grillone, engaged in discussions with Comorian Ministers including Aboubacar Said Anli (Energy, Water and Hydrocarbons), Daniel Ali Bandar (Agriculture, Fisheries and Handicrafts), and Abubakar Ben Mahmoud (Environment and Tourism). These officials emphasized the need for an increased Italian presence in the Comoros archipelago.

In conjunction with the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Imam Abdillah, the potential for revitalizing bilateral relations was explored, focusing on Italy’s initiatives in waste management, renewable energy, and university cooperation.

Additionally, the Ambassador met with the vibrant Italian community in the Comoros, which includes Stefano Cusin, known as the head coach of the Comorian national football team and a former Serie A player. The Comoros, situated in the Mozambique Channel, possesses a strategic location for trade and security within the western Indian Ocean, as well as significant prospects in the blue economy and tourism sector. The country will commemorate its 50th independence anniversary on July 6, 2025.

In summary, Ambassador Giuseppe Coppola’s visit to the Comoros marked a critical step in enhancing bilateral relations between Italy and the archipelago. The discussions focused on opportunities in various sectors including renewable energy and tourism. Moreover, the strategic positioning of the Comoros within the Indian Ocean highlights its potential for collaboration with Italy. The upcoming 50th anniversary of independence further accentuates the importance of these diplomatic relations.

Original Source: www.ansa.it