The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, had a long and friendly telephone conversation this evening with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the first since he took office.
On transatlantic relations, Minister Tajani said that “the relationship with the United States is fundamental to Italian foreign policy, and NATO remains the pillar of Euro-Atlantic security.” He added that “Italy will continue to be a decisive contributor to the Alliance’s operations and missions”, noting the need for Europe to increase its security and defence responsibilities in full complementarity with NATO.
During the conversation, the subject of Russian aggression against Ukraine was addressed. Minister Tajani reaffirmed Italy’s full support for a just peace and commitment to effective, inclusive and transparent coordination as partners and allies. He confirmed that Italy and EU partners view with great concern the increase in hybrid warfare activities against the West with cyberattacks, sabotage and acts of disinformation. In 2025, Italy will also host a Conference for the reconstruction of the country.
With regard to the situation in the Middle East, Minister Tajani recalled his recent mission to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Ramallah, and confirmed that the government supports Israel’s right to defend itself, pointing out that the agreement between Israel and Hamas is a major achievement. He said that “Italy is ready to play an active role in the new regional security architecture” and emphasised the need to also include Syria, where the fall of the Assad regime is a crucial opportunity, and Lebanon, where the ceasefire has unblocked a political process that can strengthen institutions. He stated: “Coordination between Europe and the United States on the nuclear dossier and relations with Iran is also crucial.” Minister Tajani also stressed the need to further step up efforts to ensure the safety of shipping in the Red Sea and the advisability of following developments in Yemen with the utmost attention.
Turning to issues related to the Indo-Pacific, Minister Tajani noted that Italy is against any unilateral attempt to change the status quo in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. This is an issue that Italy had already put at the centre of its G7 Presidency throughout 2024 and will continue to raise with partners who share the same concerns.
At the bilateral level, both Tajani and Rubio reaffirmed the traditional relationship of trust and closeness: in terms of trade, the USA is the second largest market for Italian exports, with a total trade of over 92 billion euros in 2023. While reaffirming the will to step up relations in this area as well, the Minister expressed the desire to relaunch the presence of Italian companies in the USA, also through direct investment.
