Monaco’s Foreign Affairs Minister on diplomatic mission in Burundi

The Principality’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Isabelle Berro-Amadei, spent five days in Burundi on a visit intended to strengthen ties and formalise commitments between the two countries following the signing of an agreement earlier this month that reestablished Monaco’s support for health, education, child protection, and food and nutrition security programmes in the East African nation.

Berro-Amadei was in situ in Burundi between 15th and 20th October for a working visit that saw the minister meet with a number of local partners and beneficiaries of projects supported by the Monegasque Cooperation for Development scheme, as well as hold meetings with Burundian authorities. It was the first ministerial-level visit to the country by a Monaco official.

Earlier in October, Berro-Amadei had met her Burundian counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation of the Republic of Burundi, Albert Shingiro, at the Francophonie Summit in Villers-Cotterêts. The two signed a framework agreement that sought to reinforce the bonds of friendship between the nations and confirm Monaco’s enduring commitments to contributing to and supporting development priorities in Burundi.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation of the Republic of Burundi. Albert Shingiro, with Monaco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Isabelle Berro-Amadei, at the Francophonie Summit in Villers-Cotterêts. Photo credit: Monaco Communications Department

Berro-Amadei’s overseas visit was an extension of this agreement, and the trip marked a renewal of the partnership between Monaco and the World Food Programme (WFP), which implements the National School Meal Programme in Burundi. The scheme provides nutritious meals prepared using locally sourced ingredients to 82,000 children from 100 schools in three provinces.

The minister also met with organisations and associations on the ground in Burundi that are involved with Monaco-supported programmes in the fields of health, food security, education, child protection, and access to work.

Along with an extended delegation from the Principality, Berro-Amadei was introduced to representatives from FVS Amie des Enfants, Comunità di Sant’Egidio, Bibliothèques Sans Frontières, WeWorld GVC, FXB International, and United Nations agencies, including the World Food Programme, the High Commissioner for Refugees, and UN Women. The delegation also met with the teams working at the local branches of Fight Aids, Peace and Sport, and the World Association of Friends of Children. The latter association was present at the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Children’s Friend School in Matana, an inclusive educational project for orphans and vulnerable children that is supported by the Monegasque Cooperation for Development scheme.

 

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Photo credit: Monaco Communications Department