Today Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Luigi Di Maio was in phone talks with France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian. The Russia-Ukraine agenda and international and European coordination in respect thereof held centre stage during the talks.
Minister Di Maio firstly stressed Italy’s concern at developments along the Russia-Ukraine border in recent weeks, and emphasised hopes that all parties continue to strive for a diplomatic solution and commit to a constructive process of political dialogue. Mr Di Maio also highlighted the importance of close coordination on the agenda between Italy and France in the lead-up to the upcoming EU Foreign Affairs Council. In the latter respect, Minister Di Maio submitted that the EU needs to engage in, subject to European values and principles, appropriate political dialogue with Moscow.
The two Ministers also touched upon developments in Mali, both expressing concern at the rapid deterioration in security within the Country and hopes of an ECOWAS-brokered agreement in respect of a timeframe for political transition.
