GOMEL, 19 October (BelTA) – Gomel Oblast and Italy's administrative region Emilia-Romagna will study a possibility to implement new programs in education and medicine, Emilia-Romagna's regional counselor for international relations Barbara Lori told reporters before the meeting of the Italian delegation with senior officials of the Gomel Oblast Executive Committee on 19 October, BelTA has learned.
The delegation led by Barbara Lori includes representatives of the regional government of Emilia-Romagna and heads of Italian associations working with Gomel Oblast and Belarus in general across a number of humanitarian and social programs. “We have come here to discuss the implementation of ongoing programs, study best practices, and assess the existing resources in order to be able to embark on new programs and explore new areas of interest. There are plenty of opportunities today. However, our areas of focus are education and medicine,” she said.
The head of the Italian delegation noted that in recent years new cooperation opportunities emerged, including within the framework of European programs. “We need to make the most of the potential of Italy and Belarus to take our cooperation to a new level and to implement more ambitious programs,” she added. At the same time Barbara Lori underlined that it is important to maintain those programs that have been successfully running for many years, in particular recuperation programs for children.
Commercial advisor, Deputy Ambassador of Italy to Belarus Paolo Tonini also spoke highly of the joint programs, in particular programs in education and social integration of people with special needs. He noted that during their stay in Belarus the Italian delegation will evaluate the work of the Italian funds, and when the delegation comes back to Italy, it will make decisions on areas of investment for years to come.
The Italian delegation will stay in Gomel Oblast till 23 October. During this time they will visit social institutions, educational and healthcare facilities, and will hold a number of meetings.
Gomel Oblast and Emilia-Romagna have been cooperating in the humanitarian field since 1991.
