Knowledge, information sharing necessary to deepening Italy-Nigeria cooperation – Envoy

By Maureen Okon

Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Stefano De Leo, has identified knowledge sharing and exchange of information between Italy and Nigeria as key to deepening cooperation between both nations.

The Italian ambassador made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the agency on behalf of the Italian news agency – Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (ANSA).

De Leo said that knowledge sharing and exchange of information would enable Italy to identify development opportunities in many fields such as sports, economy, politics, arts and culture.

“With more knowledge on these sectors, Italy and Nigeria will work together to strengthen our relations,” he said.

The envoy said he had been holding meetings with some state governors in Nigeria towards deepening economic and cultural cooperation with Italy.

“The meetings also seek to reach common grounds on the refugee question.

“We want to see and to have an overall view of Nigeria and to get inspiration from our meetings; we need to develop and translate actions that are based on diplomatic ties that can touch culture, politics, economy, refugee and also to collaborate with Italian companies in areas necessary,” he said.

Speaking further, the ambassador said the MoU would also see both countries harnessing the abundant opportunities in renewable energy development.

“If you do not know or understand, you cannot do. If you know and understand, then you have the tools and here in Nigeria there’s a lot to understand.

“So, this is a stimulation to do more and even better through this exchange of information and of knowledge. This is very important,” he said.

(NAN)