The Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Giorgio Silli, took part in the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg today, on behalf of Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
First on the agenda was the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The discussions, which also involved Ukrainian Minister Sybiha, focused on European support for Ukraine and ongoing diplomatic initiatives, including those promoted by President Trump.
Italy reaffirmed its support for Ukraine’s defence and for increasing sanctions pressure on Russia to bring it to the negotiating table, while always keeping in mind the need to maintain transatlantic unity.
With specific reference to Gaza, the meeting reviewed the stability of the ceasefire and diplomatic efforts to achieve a new peaceful settlement in the region as soon as possible, while continuing to provide support to the Palestinian Authority. Italy provided updates on the MED Dialogues in Naples, which saw the joint presence of the Israeli and Palestinian Foreign Ministers. Italy expressed its willingness to increase its commitment both in humanitarian aid by strengthening the Food for Gaza initiative and in stabilization efforts, enhancing the role of the EUBAM Rafah mission, where the Carabinieri operate.
High Representative Kallas then addressed EU relations with the Indo-Pacific in preparation for the Fourth Ministerial Forum scheduled for 20-21.
The working agenda also included an exchange of views on the situations in Moldova, Georgia, and Sudan.