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Interview with Giorgio Aliberti, Italian Ambassador to Myanmar

Exclusive interview with the Italian Ambassador to Myanmar, Giorgio Aliberti, released in December 2017, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Eni Foundation.

In recent years Myanmar has seen rapid changes in its economic and social situation. How is the population dealing with this new phase in its history?

One of the most important consequences of the democratic transition and the economic and social transformation under way is undoubtedly the opening of Myanmar to the outside world that has, for the first time in decades, allowed the country to have contacts with the global market and with the culture and traditions of other peoples. The majority of the population, which until now has lived largely in poverty, can now benefit from sustained socio-economic development, as envisaged by the World Bank and the Economist Intelligence Unit, who have indicated that the former Burma can expect rates exponential growth in the coming years. At the same time, the opportunities for cultural exchange with other nations will facilitate Myanmar’s full membership of the international community.

Giorgio Aliberti, the Italian Ambassador to Myanmar (Jun 2015 – Jul 2018)

What role can Italy play in these changes and what kind of positive relations have been established?

Italy is a strategic partner that has always supported Myanmar in the face of the very significant challenges of recent years: the transition to democracy, the peace process and socio-economic development. The Burmese appreciation for Italy’s commitment can be seen from the excellent state of bilateral relations between the two countries, as was demonstrated by the mission to Myanmar of the then Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Paolo Gentiloni, the first representative of a foreign government to be received by President Htin Kyaw and the first Foreign Minister of a Western country (second only to the Chinese Minister) to meet with his Burmese counterpart, Aung San Suu Kyi. In the September 2016 there was also the first official visit of a parliamentary delegation led by the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, Pier Ferdinando Casini, further evidence of Italys constant attention towards Myanmar. Collaboration between the two countries is not only political, but also aims to strengthen trade links. In fact, last February, for example, a Country Presentation by Myanmar took place in Rome, which provided an opportunity to raise awareness, among the over two hundred Italian companies present, about the opportunities that this Southeast Asian country can offer.

You talk a lot about similarities between the people of Burma and those of Italy. Can you give us an example?

Despite many differences, Italy and Myanmar both have a cultural heritage that is thousands of years old. Such wealth represents a cultural base of enormous value, not only from a purely historical point of view, but also as a development opportunity. Both countries have, for example, a large number of small and medium-sized companies, an interesting fact that can be the basis for useful opportunities for sharing and mutual growth in trade.

What is the particular role of the cooperation of Italy and the NGOs in these changes and relations between the two countries?

Italy is at the forefront among the partners that have encouraged the country to embark on the path to democracy and socio-economic development, providing at every opportunity, also concrete practical support, a s well as sympathy and appreciation, as can be seen from the range of cooperation and development projects our country is conducting in Myanmar. Indeed, special thanks were given to Italy for their contribution in the preservation of the cultural heritage of Myanmar - a sector in which our country, in collaboration with UNESCO, it is especially engaged - and for the partial cancellation and conversion of debt, accompanied by a commitment to a more equitable distribution of resources and the full development of Myanmar. It is also important to underline the special attention given by Italian civil society, which is characterised by the activities of numerous associations, engaged mainly in development projects and social care.

The Eni Foundation is now 10 years old and is beginning a three-year support programme for the populations in the rural areas Magway. Do you think this is a significant example of assistance for the development of the country and an appropriate occasion to celebrate the activities of the Foundation?

Projects like yours are critical to reinforce political support and extend already excellent bilateral relations, which are an essential stepping stone to strengthening the bonds from both a cultural and economic and trade point of view, especially in areas where the excellence of our country can be shown in tangible way. In fact, thanks to Italy’s help, Myanmar will be better able to face the great challenges ahead, also in terms of socio-economic development, such as the modernisation of its infrastructure and energy network, areas in which Eni can play a key role.

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Interview with Giorgio Aliberti, Italian Ambassador to Myanmar

In recent years Myanmar has seen rapid changes in its economic and social situation. How is the population dealing with this new phase in its history?

What role can Italy play in these changes and what kind of positive relations have been established?

You talk a lot about similarities between the people of Burma and those of Italy. Can you give us an example?

What is the particular role of the cooperation of Italy and the NGOs in these changes and relations between the two countries?

The Eni Foundation is now 10 years old and is beginning a three-year support programme for the populations in the rural areas Magway. Do you think this is a significant example of assistance for the development of the country and an appropriate occasion to celebrate the activities of the Foundation?

Our project in Myanmar

Eni Foundation’s other projects

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The Republic of Congo - Kento Mwana

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The Republic of Congo - Salissa Mwana