Minister Crosetto receives the EU Special Representative for Sahel

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Defence Minister Guido Crosetto today received the EU Special Representative for Sahel, Joao Cravinho

"A precious opportunity to discuss and deepen the theme of the Sub-Saharan area, where hybrid threats and global interests converge, with significant effects on security. The Sahel is an area of strategic importance: a critical area with enormous potential: its stability impacts directly on the Mediterranean and Europe.  I expressed my appreciation for the effort done to draft a common plan, drawing from national visions in order to coordinate, synchronize and guarantee the effectiveness of the European action. Shared vision and concern on threats linked to terrorism, integralism and human trafficking, phenomena that no geographical border can contain. 
We reflected on the need for the EU to maintain a relevant role in an area - i.e. Africa- where the interests and influence of a number of global powers converge. Looking forward, Africa will assume increasingly significant strategic importance. 
I received appreciation for Italy's contribution, especially for the initiative connected to the Mattei Plan for Africa, based on equal relations and recognition, a clear reference point other nations can to draw inspiration from. Focus on the need for a European strategy encompassing a long-term vision and shared growth based on a clear, pragmatic and honest approach to African countries. An approach allowing to build a stable, prosperous future of growth to the benefit of local peoples rather than the elites. In this regard, we usefully discussed in depth the consolidation of our cooperation beyond the mere financial plan, including also cultural and educational aspects also linked to the Defence sector, in particular with regard to cooperation between Armed Forces. Guaranteeing growth and development in Africa is a shared requirement: the future of the African continent and Europe are closely intertetconnected". Thus Minister Crosetto.