Italy-Mongolia: Frattini, Partnership with EU soon

Italy is working to encourage a partnership agreement between Mongolia and the European Union within the year. This was Minister Frattini’s comment at the end of a meeting with his Mongolian counterpart Gombojan Zandarishatar. The minister explained that Italy wants “to strengthen bilateral political relations with Mongolia”, an “important political partner not least for its relations with both China and Russia”, and is offering its “strategic support” to bringing the EU and Mongolia closer to one another.

Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Stefania Craxi is planning a mission to Ulan Bator this autumn, only a few months after that of Deputy Minister for Economic Development Adolfo Urso. In short, Frattini announced, “a joint commission is going to be set up” and Italy “is thinking of arranging a country presentation” to illustrate the investment opportunities that this Asian nation offers to Italian businesses, ranging from the agri-alimentary sector to mining and infrastructure. It is in Italy’s interests to outline a 2010-2012 executive cooperation agenda in the sectors of education, culture and science.

The year 2010 marks the 40th anniversary of Italy’s diplomatic relations with Mongolia and in honour of that, Frattini announced, President of the Republic Giorgio Napolitano has invited the President of Mongolia to Italy. An invitation that has been returned, and extended also to Frattini, as Gombojan explained, who reiterated Mongolia’s interest in strengthening relations with Italy and the EU, and who underscored his country’s growth potential.

22 June 2010

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