CIHEAM Bari and AICS Addis Ababa had the honour of welcoming delegates from the Sudanese Ministry of Production and Economic Resources (MOPER) a pivotal mission. Together, we reaffirmed our shared commitment to improving food production and supporting small-scale producers in the Red Sea and Kassala states through the MIPRO-Sud project.

Sudanese delegation was also welcomed by H.E. Ambassador Michele Tommasi, Italian Ambassador Sudan, and Ms. Alessandra Attisani, Head of Office at AICS Addis Abeba. H.E. Tommasi expressed gratitude for the visit, stating: "After the war began in 2023, the Italian embassy was evacuated, but through our diplomatic efforts, we maintained a stable relationship with Sudan. The Italian government is eager to return to Sudan as soon as possible to ensure its support for the people." He further emphasized: "MIPRO-Sud is now more important than ever, as it supports some of the most strategic regions for agricultural trade. The MIPRO-Sud project represents our shared commitment to improving the quality of food production and supporting small-scale producers in Sudan.”

Ms. Alessandra Attisani conveyed her strong solidarity and support for the Sudanese people during the mission, stating: "In these challenging times, I want to express my deepest solidarity with the people of Sudan. AICS Addis Abeba stands firmly by your side, committed to supporting initiatives that foster resilience and sustainable development.”

The delegation was also received by the Sudanese Ambassador in Ethiopia, H.E. Ambassador El-Zein Ibrahim. Sudanese representatives expressed their gratitude for the steadfast and tangible commitment of CIHEAM Bari and the Italian cooperation, even during the most challenging times. Discussions focused on the implementation of the MIPRO-Sud project, highlighting the importance of agricultural innovation, knowledge transfer and an integrated, inclusive approach tailored to the specific needs of local communities and the unique characteristics of Sudan’s regions. The delegation also agreed to initiate immediate support operations, prioritizing the provision of fishing equipment for fisheries in Port Sudan and water tanks for water supply in the IDPs communities in Kassala to address the urgent needs of the population in these critical areas. The MIPRO-Sud project manager, Andrea Bozzetto, reaffirmed CIHEAM Bari's unwavering commitment to ongoing cooperation and scientific diplomacy. He emphasized the organization's dedication to fostering synergies among all stakeholders and leveraging its expertise to ensure the project's success.

Despite adversity, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering resilience and supporting local communities in Sudan.