As part of Italy’s diplomatic efforts to promote de-escalation in the Gulf and the wider Middle East region, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani held telephone talks today with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, and India’s Foreign Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
Today’s talks focused on an update on the situation in the Gulf region following the new Iranian attacks against several countries in the region Ministero Tajani reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to de-escalation, diplomacy and a peaceful solution to the crisis.
MinisterTajani pointed out that it is essential to ensure freedom of navigation and maritime security, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, in a context of speculation that is causing gas and oil prices to rise. Minister Tajani reaffirmed Italy’s solidarity with the Saudi Minister following the unacceptable Iranian attacks and thanked him for the assistance provided to Italian citizens in the region and for the cooperation with our embassies and consulates in facilitating their work at this time of emergency.
The Foreign Minister confirmed that Italy will support the draft UN Security Council resolution submitted by Bahrain on behalf of the Council. With the Indian Minister Jaishankar, Ministero Tajani emphasised that recent developments make the need to create the IMEC corridor even more pressing, in order to diversify commercial, digital and energy connections.
Since the outbreak of the crisis, Ministero Tajani has been in telephone contact with Secretary of State Rubio, German Foreign Minister Wadephul, the Foreign Ministers of the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Azerbaijan and Egypt, the Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Raphael Grossi, and with G7 partners at the meeting on Iran on 1 March.
Further talks are planned with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and with the Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
