The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, met today at the Farnesina with the United States Senior Advisor for Africa and Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs, Massad Boulos. The discussion focused on the stability of the Mediterranean and the Middle East in light of recent developments in the region. In particular, the Minister emphasised the strategic importance of Libya for European and international security and reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with countries of origin and transit in North Africa and the Sahel to combat irregular migration and human trafficking. Expressing support for the roadmap presented to the Security Council by the UN Special Representative Tetteh, Tajani and Boulos agreed to meet on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs also addressed the situation in Gaza, underlining the joint commitment to an immediate ceasefire in the Strip and the release of all hostages. Following the recent meeting with Palestinian Foreign Minister Aghabekian, the Minister reiterated that Italy and the United States share common priorities and objectives to end hostilities, reinforce humanitarian assistance, and relaunch political dialogue towards a two-state solution.
Regarding Lebanon, Tajani highlighted the importance of the country’s stability and the stabilisation work carried out by UNIFIL, whose mandate has recently been renewed, and condemned the serious attacks by Israeli forces on the Blue Helmets.
These topics will also be addressed during the Mediterranean Dialogues to be held in Naples from 15 to 17 October 2025, to which Special Envoy Boulos has been invited.
Finally, Tajani and Boulos confirmed the need to ensure stability in the Horn of Africa and agreed on the importance of working within the framework of the Mattei Plan to consolidate the strategic partnership with Africa.
