The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Luigi Di Maio, today had a telephone conversation with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, on the situation in Afghanistan.
Minister Di Maio stated that Italy’s immediate priority is completing repatriation operations for Italian citizens and the humanitarian evacuation of Afghan collaborators, their families and other vulnerable people.
The Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs then confirmed support for the United Nations’ efforts to maintain peace and security and provide humanitarian assistance, hoping that UN agencies and other humanitarian actors would allow immediate, safe, and unhindered access.
During the phone call, the need for an immediate cessation of violence was reiterated, and deep concern was expressed over human rights violations. The importance of fostering a political and sustainable solution, resuming dialogue and establishing an inclusive and representative government to promote national reconciliation and ensure respect for human rights, especially women and minorities, were emphasised.
Lastly, an agreement was reached on the need for the international community to adopt a unified position on the situation in Afghanistan and the contribution that the G20 platform, of which Italy holds the presidency, can provide.
