The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, is in Washington to meet with US institutional authorities, members of the business community, and representatives of the Italian-American community.
During the visit, the Minister will meet with the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Jim Risch, and the US Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer.
The mission focuses on bilateral and transatlantic relations and key international challenges, starting with support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. Also thanks to US participation, the Ukraine Recovery Conference held in Rome enabled to mobilize €10 billion in new funds and sign over 200 agreements and understandings to support Ukraine’s reconstruction.
Discussions will also focus on the trade situation in light of the Trump Administration’s announcement to impose 30% tariffs on imports from EU countries starting from 1 August if an agreement is not reached by that date. The Italian government continues to work for an agreement between the European Union and the United States that safeguards their respective economies and provides a clear framework within which our companies can operate and continue to generate growth, employment, and prosperity.
The situation in Gaza will also be discussed, confirming the need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the restoration of full humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip, to which Italy is ready to contribute through the Food for Gaza initiative. Stability in the Middle East also depends on a peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, with regard to which Minister Tajani will reaffirm the importance of pursuing dialogue and diplomacy, as well as Italy’s willingness to foster dialogue between the United States and Iran.
With specific reference to Libya, Minister Tajani will meet with the Secretary of State to emphasize, first and foremost, the need for renewed political intervention to stabilize the country, to prevent a new drift that could lead to renewed military conflicts and further irregular immigration flows, and to counter the strengthening of organizations dedicated to migrant smuggling. Regarding the stabilization of Lebanon, Italy will advocate for the continued support of the UNIFIL mission: Minister Tajani believes that the United Nations’ capabilities and presence in South Lebanon shall be sustained and improved.
