During yesterday’s phone call requested by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio with several European countries dedicated primarily to Ukraine, Minister Antonio Tajani and French Minister Jean-Noel Barrot agreed on the importance of close coordination between the US and Europe on the Ukrainian dossier and European security. Both ministers confirmed the centrality of the transatlantic relationship and the willingness to contribute to effective negotiations to ensure robust and credible security measures for Ukraine.
On the Ukraine dossier, Tajani confirmed the willingness to contribute to effective negotiations and stressed the importance of ensuring solid and credible security measures for Kyiv, including the strengthening of the Ukrainian armed forces and its defence industry. In this regard, the Minister recalled the Italian proposal for a collective security mechanism modelled on Article 5 of NATO’s founding treaty. In this framework, the Minister confirmed Italy’s readiness for land and maritime demining operations and air patrols.
During the phone call, Tajani also raised the issue of UNIFIL’s renewal, emphasising the strategic importance of confirming the mission for the stabilisation of Lebanon, an issue supported in agreement with Minister Barrot. The two ministers noted that the role of UNIFIL and its support for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) is important in the current international situation and for the balance in the broader regional context, a position also supported by the other participants in the phone call, first and foremost Finland and Poland. At a time of high tensions, UNIFIL continues to enjoy a large capital of trust among local interlocutors and especially among the civilian population.
