While in New York for the UN General Assembly, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani held talks with the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxime Prévot.
Belgium has requested Italy to provide humanitarian assistance to Belgian nationals aboard the vessels of the Flotilla.
Minister Tajani assured that, if needed, units of the Italian Navy will offer civil humanitarian support to Belgian citizens, emphasising that the purpose of the Italian mission is civilian protection and support, not military intervention. A similar request has been made to the Italian Government by France and other European countries. Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto confirmed to his counterpart that Italian vessels will be available to respond to any potential needs of civilians on board the Flotilla.
