During his participation in the Dubrovnik International Forum, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, held several meetings with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Andrej Plenković; the Belarusian opposition leader, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya; the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jassim Al Budaiwi; the Brazilian Foreign Minister, Mauro Luiz Iecker Vieira, and the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt. Those meetings confirmed Italy’s interest in discussions on major international crises.
Minister Tajani reiterated to Prime Minister Plenkovic that Croatia is a strategic partner for Italy and that Italy is willing to endeavour to strengthen the political and economic partnership, proposing to organize a new business forum as soon as possible. There was complete agreement on the need to collaborate to jointly address the challenges of the greater Mediterranean, from the Balkans to the Middle East, strengthening the stability of this vast region with projects and infrastructure. To this end, Italy is working with India and the Gulf countries on the “Cotton Road,” a crucial artery that will give centrality to the Adriatic, of which Trieste is a privileged entry point to the Balkans. Minister Tajani also reaffirmed the Italian government’s priority to reunifying the Balkans with the European family, to ensure stability and growth for the entire continent. This message was also conveyed to the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt.
In his talks with Belarusian opposition leader Tsikhanouskaya, Minister Tajaniì’s confirmed Italy’s full support for the democratic aspirations of the Belarusian people and reaffirmed his firm condemnation of the severe violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country. Italy will continue to work for the Belarusian people alongside its European and US partners.
During the discussions with Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Al Budaiwi, the situation in the Middle East, starting with Gaza and Iran, was addressed. Minister Tajani emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the release of hostages, and full humanitarian access. The Minister reaffimed his willingness to quickly conclude a cooperation agreement with the Organization, for even closer relations with the countries of the region and to fully exploit the potential of our economic partnership, particularly in the energy, digital, and infrastructure sectors.
Minister Tajani and Brazilian Foreign Minister Vieira discussed key bilateral and international issues. Brazil reaffirmed its position as a strategic partner for our country, particularly for Italian exports. The Italy-Latin America Conference in October – to which Minister Vieira was also invited – will provide an opportunity to strengthen collaboration with the whole continent.
During the Forum the situation in Georgia was also addressed, given the presence of its government representative, Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili. Minister Tajani reiterated to Minister Botchorishvili that respecting the rule of law and democracy is a priority and expressed his hope that Georgia would soon resume its path toward Europe. Italy will also reaffirm this position during the discussion at the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council meeting scheduled for next Tuesday in Brussels.
