The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, is in Helsingborg (Sweden) for the NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (21–22 May). The meeting provides an opportunity for political-level discussion on the most important issues on the Euro-Atlantic agenda, also in view of the forthcoming NATO Summit in Ankara (7–8 July). Among the items on the agenda are continued support for Ukraine and the impact on the Alliance of the situation in the Middle East, with a focus on the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as defence expenditure and the strengthening of industrial capability.
On Ukraine, Tajani will reaffirm Italy’s firm support for Kyiv and the importance of full convergence between Ukraine, Europe, the United States and the wider Euro-Atlantic community as a whole in achieving a just peace underpinned by robust security guarantees.
On the Middle East crisis, the Minister will once again underline the strategic importance of the Southern Flank for Euro-Atlantic stability, within the framework of NATO–EU cooperation and the strengthening of the European pillar of the Alliance. Tajani will also confirm Italy’s willingness to participate in multilateral efforts to restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz when conditions allow, reiterating the importance of close coordination with Gulf partners. The Foreign Minister will also recall the need to support Iraq, which is particularly exposed to the current crisis in the region.
