The Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Maria Tripodi, on behalf of Minister Antonio Tajani, took part yesterday in the Foreign Affairs Council and today in the Third European Union–African Union Ministerial Meeting held in Brussels.
On the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council were the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the Middle East – including Syria – and the most recent developments in Libya, raised by Italy.
Undersecretary Tripodi reiterated that “Italy stands firmly alongside Ukraine in pursuit of a just and lasting peace, as also underlined by Prime Minister Meloni during her meeting with President Zelensky in Rome and in her conversation with President Trump together with other European colleagues. We are ready to facilitate further negotiation efforts under the auspices of the Holy See”. Commenting on the adoption of the 17th package of sanctions against Russia, the Undersecretary stated that Italy is prepared to increase pressure on Moscow should there be no progress towards a ceasefire, and she reiterated Italy’s commitment to the success of the Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in Rome on 10–11 July.
Speaking on the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, Tripodi recalled Italy’s “Food for Gaza” initiative to support the civilian population, and stressed that the Israeli blockade of humanitarian aid has become unsustainable. Regarding the initiative put forward by the Dutch Foreign Minister to trigger Article 2 of the EU–Israel Association Agreement, the Undersecretary noted that, in Italy’s view, such a proposal does not serve the aim of fostering a frank and open dialogue conducive to the resumption of aid to Gaza, the achievement of a ceasefire, and the release of all hostages.
As for Syria, the Undersecretary confirmed Italy’s support for the further lifting of economic sanctions.
Today, Tripodi is participating in the third EU–AU Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, marking the 25th anniversary of the first EU–AU Summit. Delegations discussed Peace, Multilateralism, Prosperity, Migration, and the Mobility of People. “Italy and the EU have long been committed to ensuring that Africa’s voice gains greater space in international fora,” Tripodi concluded, recalling Italy’s efforts within the framework of the Mattei Plan, which is vital for the socio-economic development of African countries. “The Mattei Plan has already been launched in nine countries and is currently under development. In early 2025, the Italian Government will include five additional countries, and we are already working to identify key initiatives within the relevant projects”.
