In recent years, Italy has shown its ability in seizing the challenge
launched by the extraordinary vitality that has distinguished
the Asian continent for years, especially the area of the Pacific.
Asia is one of the areas at the center of Italian foreign policy.
The strengthening of promotion of Italy’s political, economic,
commercial and financial presence in Asia is a priority objective.
This action develops itself, in the first place, with China, Japan,
India and South Korea; these are countries which currently represent
the most dynamic and interesting realities in Asia, because of
the relevance of their political and strategic interests on a
global scale and for the dimensions of their economic development.
Italy is actively involved in contributing ideas and concrete
proposals for the solution of local crises which, although they
might seem only of local interest, risk bearing negatively on
the geopolitical equilibrium of the area and threatening the stability
of the entire region.
Under this aspect, the following activities should be mentioned:
Italy’s important contribution to the resumption of talks
between North and South Korea, within the framework of the “Six-Party
Talks”; the search for a critical, yet constructive, dialogue
with the Myanmar authorities; the special and constant attention
given to the determination of a political solution to the Sri
Lankan problem.
Italy continues in its priority commitment towards the reconstruction
of Afghanistan: this is manifested, on a military level, with
the presence of 2200 men, as well as in the sector of the reform
of justice, with programs for the training of judges, the revision
of legislation, and the construction of prisons. Emergency projects
are also in progress in the sanitary, waterworks, and school sectors
in the Herat area, where Italy is currently in command of the
Provincial Reconstruction Team.
Italy was among the first in line in helping the Asian populations
recently hit by devastating natural calamities, such as the tsunami
of 2004 and the earthquake of 2005: the extraordinary scale of
Italian humanitarian assistance towards those populations bears
witness to the spirit of deep solidarity which unites the Italian
population and the Italian government to the Asian population.
