The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, met today at the Farnesina with the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot.
This meeting – the fifth between the two Ministers – confirms the intensity of the dialogue between Rome and Paris, and was devoted to an extensive exchange on key international dossiers, with particular focus on the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East.
The two Ministers welcomed the strong turnout of Heads of State and Government, businesses and associations at the ongoing Ukraine Conference in Rome. Tajani emphasised that “Italy has worked to involve all actors necessary for reconstruction, and to maintain unity between the EU and the USA in supporting Ukraine”. According to the Italian Minister, the meeting of the “coalition of the willing”, in which the Prime Minister participated via video link from the Nuvola Convention Centre, also marked a step forward in strengthening a shared vision between Europe and the United States on the war.
The Middle East crisis was also central to discussions. Tajani and Barrot underscored the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza, the reopening of all channels to allow humanitarian aid to reach the Strip, and the release of hostages. Both Ministers reaffirmed their support for the EU BAM Rafah mission, in which France and Italy are actively involved. Minister Tajani stated that he remains in close contact with regional partners, including Egypt and Qatar, as well as with the United States.
On the Iranian crisis, Tajani and Barrot reiterated their shared determination to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, convinced that only a negotiated solution can ensure long-term regional stability and security. They also expressed support for direct contacts between Washington and Tehran.
The two Ministers agreed on the central role of the United Nations in stabilising and securing the Middle East, with particular reference to Lebanon, through the stabilisation efforts of the UNIFIL mission, and Libya, where there is a need to relaunch the political process. The situation in Syria was also addressed during the meeting.
Tajani and Barrot then touched on key bilateral matters. Tajani expressed appreciation for the concrete progress made on cross-border cooperation, including the reopening of the Colle di Tenda and the upcoming opening of the second tunnel of the Fréjus Pass. The two Ministers agreed on the need to strengthen transport links between Italy and France and to continue dialogue on strategic joint projects, such as the upgrade of the Mont Blanc Tunnel and the Turin–Lyon high-speed rail line. The next Italy–France cross-border meeting will be held in Aosta.
