The second “Aqaba Format +” Ministerial meeting on Syria was held today in Riyadh. The Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Maria Tripodi, took part in the meeting, on behalf of Italy and on instructions from Minister Tajani.
Friendship between Italy and Syria has historical roots, as witnessed by Minister Tajani’s visit to Damascus last Friday, during which he expressed his willingness to assist the Syrian people and encourage the new political course, preserving Syria’s territorial unity and sovereignty and promoting a peaceful and inclusive political transition which respects human rights and protects all components of Syrian society after decades of dictatorship and oppression.
During the meeting, the Italian position was reaffirmed, suggesting the need for serious reflection on the current sanctions framework – essentially aimed at punishing Bashar Al Assad’s regime – starting with the removal of sectoral measures in key areas for the life of the population, such as energy, fuel and infrastructure. This would make it possible to rapidly increase humanitarian assistance activities and clear the field for the international community’s efforts to improve the overall economic conditions of a country that is strategic for the stability of the region.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Under-Secretary Tripodi had talks with the Foreign Ministers of Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and Iraq.
