Italy Reaffirms Commitment to Humanitarian Aid in Afghanistan at Istanbul Meeting
Italy emphasized the continuation of its humanitarian and development commitments to the people of Afghanistan during the Afghanistan Coordination Group meeting held in Istanbul. The meeting, jointly hosted by the European Union, the United Nations, and the World Bank, focused on coordinating international aid efforts to Afghanistan.
Sabrina Ugolini, Italy’s ambassador, announced that her country will continue supporting the basic needs and livelihoods of Afghan residents. According to her, Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ new priorities include empowering women, education, addressing the situation of migrants, healthcare services, and mine clearance.
This emphasis comes amid widespread restrictions imposed by the Taliban on women’s education and work, raising serious concerns about the country’s economic and social future and increasing the need for targeted support from the international community. The Italian representative highlighted the importance of maintaining women’s and girls’ access to education and economic opportunities.
Ugolini also described Italy’s cooperation in protecting Afghanistan’s cultural heritage as important, stating that this sector can contribute to job creation and strengthen the local economy. Afghanistan, with its rich historical background, possesses many ancient and cultural sites whose preservation and reconstruction could aid the growth of the tourism industry in the future.
The meeting also included Dr. Francesco Zatta, head of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation’s (AICS) office in Islamabad, who stressed the continuation of Italy’s targeted support in various development sectors. Italian officials asserted that their country’s approach is based on humanitarian principles and sustainable support for the people of Afghanistan, and that this commitment will continue.
