NAN – The new Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Fulvio Rustico, on Monday, March 17, 2014 said that the government of his country had decided to ease visa processing and issuance for Nigerians.
Rustico told reporters in Lagos that the decision was aimed at promoting stronger relations between both countries.
“As we all know, Italy’s visa system is in line with other countries’ visas requirements.
“But, we are seriously working hard at making sure that visa processing and issuance for Nigerians becomes easier and much faster.
“We have realised that more and more Nigerians want to come into Italy. We do not want to see visas as something that should stop Nigerians from visiting Italy,’’ he said.
The envoy said that his government would continue to welcome more Nigerians due to both countries’ long-lasting relations.
According to Rustico, there is already a growing population of Nigerians in Italy, just as there are also many Italian investors and entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
“We believe that Nigerians are the Italians of Africa, just as Italians are the Nigerians of Europe.
“That is one reason we will be working within 10 days period to make visas available to more Nigerians,’’ he said.
The Italian envoy said that he was sent to Nigeria by his government to create favourable opportunities for Nigerians.
He expressed his government’s commitment to promoting mutual relationship with Nigeria in the years ahead.
