The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Luigi Di Maio, spoke this afternoon at the ministerial-level videoconference of the 32 members of the Core Group of the Global Coalition Against Daesh, chaired by US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Wilmès.
The participants reaffirmed their determination to pursue the final defeat of Daesh and prevent any possible resurgence. Minister Di Maio recalled Italy’s strong commitment to the Coalition, both in the military and civilian spheres, emphasising in particular its support to the Iraqi institutions and people and its contribution to the initiatives aimed at stabilising the areas liberated from Daesh in Iraq and Syria. The Minister also shared his deep concern over the spread of Daesh-linked terrorist groups in some African countries, agreeing on the need to use the Coalition’s instruments in Africa, in close synergy with existing initiatives such as the Sahel Coalition, in which Italy also participates.
Lastly, the Foreign Minister reiterated Italy’s willingness to host the full-format Coalition ministerial meeting, hopefully next summer.