As part of his regular contacts, the Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, had a long, detailed telephone conversation today with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. In it, they reviewed the main current international issues.
Tajani and Blinken devoted much attention to the latest developments in the Red Sea. “The recent attack by the Houthis on the Greek oil tanker Sounion is a cause for great concern due to the concrete risks of an environmental disaster, and is once again confirmation of the need to further intensify efforts to ensure safe navigation in the Red Sea. I reiterated to Secretary of State Blinken — who expressed his strong appreciation for Italy’s leadership and cooperation with Washington — Italy’s commitment with the ASPIDES mission, which we will consider strengthening,” said Tajani. In recalling Italy’s utmost support for the mediation efforts promoted by the United States to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and limit the risk of regionalisation of the conflict, the Deputy Prime Minister added that “coordination with Washington is crucial to devising a strategy to reduce tensions and halt the dramatic spiral of violence in the region.” In this regard, he also recalled last week’s phone call with the new Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs and the calls for moderation, which Blinken greatly appreciated.
Recalling the upcoming G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting to be held in New York on 23 September, on the occasion of the opening of the United Nations General Assembly, and the subsequent G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Fiuggi at the end of November, Tajani thanked Secretary of State Blinken for Washington’s spirit of full cooperation on the priorities of the Italian G7 presidency.
The topic of Russian aggression against Ukraine was also discussed during the meeting. In updating the Secretary of State on the recent meetings held in Switzerland, Tajani reiterated the Italian government’s total support for Kiev, towards the goal of a just and lasting peace.
On China, Tajani and Blinken exchanged information and assessments on the recent missions of the Prime Minister and National Security Advisor Sullivan, agreeing on the need to continue the dialogue with Beijing. A similar convergence of views was expressed on Libya, where joint initiatives could be considered, also in support of the Central Bank’s fundamental role, and on the need to guarantee freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific. In this regard, Tajani reminded Blinken of the presence in Tokyo of the aircraft carrier Cavour and the ship Vespucci these days.
