(VEE) ITALIAN COOPERATION FOCUSES ON LATIN AMERICA'S CHALLENGES

(VELINO) Roma, 27 Jul - Italy is increasingly looking to become a partner of Latin America and a source of support for the nations in the area. A central role in this endeavour is being played by Italian Development Cooperation, which today presents itself with a new face and clearer objectives after a period of exhaustive reforms. "We want to focus on a number of serious challenges. The first is violence in Central America, the fight against the 'maras' and 'pandillas', by supporting the judicial and youth justice systems," Deputy Foreign Minister Mario Giro told VELINO on the sidelines of the ministry's presentation of the new Italian Development Cooperation System. "This year we have increased the resources for this programme. Next, we will work on enhancing our presence in certain countries, for instance in Bolivia and in Colombia, through the peace fund. Lastly, the Cassa Depositi e Prestiti bank will enable us to carry out large international cooperation activities. We're taking into consideration countries, areas, and sectors. Certainly, one of our focuses is the sector of renewable energy sources, which represents a great challenge," Mr Giro concluded. vel
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