Today the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani held telephone conversations with the Foreign Ministers of Bahrain, Abdullatif Bin Rashid Al-Zayani, of Kuwait, Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, and of Syria, Asaad Al Shaibani, as part of Italy’s joint action with international partners to stop the escalation in the Middle East.
The Minister stressed to his counterparts the importance of keeping all channels of communication open to jointly prepare a return to diplomatic negotiations. Minister Tajani reaffirmed that Italy supports Israel’s right to self-defence and that Iran must be prevented from acquiring nuclear weapons. In this regard, the Minister reported to his counterparts that he is in contact with the Omani Foreign Minister, Al Busaidi, and with the other countries in the region to facilitate the resumption of dialogue between the United States and Iran with Oman’s mediation. The goal is the stability of the region in a perspective of peace and security, including economic security.
Minister Tajani also highlighted the importance of ensuring the freedom of maritime trade and, as underlined during the talks with Iranian Minister Araghchi, of maintaining safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, recalling in this regard the work of the EU operation “Aspides” deployed in the Red Sea.
With specific reference to the situation in Gaza, Minister Tajani underlined the urgency of an immediate ceasefire and a negotiation process leading to the “two peoples – two States” solution. Minister Tajani reiterated Italy’s appeal to achieve full access for humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, recalling Italy’s commitment to providing food and health aid to the civilian population of Gaza as part of the ‘Food for Gaza’ program and the medical evacuations of Palestinian minors.
