Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani held telephone conversations this afternoon with the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, of the Emirates, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and of Oman, Badr Al Busaidi.
The conversations focused on the recent developments in the Gulf region following the Iranian attacks on several countries in the area.
The Foreign Minister reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to dialogue with the countries of the region, with which we intend to work for the stability, security, and prosperity of the Middle East. He also expressed gratitude for the assistance provided to Italian citizens in the region and his condolences for the victims of the attacks.
While recalling the need for quick de-escalation, Minister Tajani called for maximum restraint and responsibility from all players involved, emphasizing the urgency of avoiding initiatives that could fuel a dangerous spiral of violence and further spreading of the conflict.
In particular, Minister Tajani expressed Italy’s solidarity with Azerbaijani Minister Jeyhun Bayramov in the aftermath of the attacks at Nakhchiva airport, and thanked the Azerbaijani authorities for their cooperation in facilitating the temporary relocation of our Embassy in Iran to Baku.
In his conversation with the Emirates’ Minister, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister Tajani reiterated that the launch of Iranian missiles and drones against Gulf countries and other States not involved in the conflict is totally unacceptable. Both Ministers also reaffirmed the importance of avoiding negative repercussions on other crisis theatres.
Finally, Minister Tajani expressed his gratitude to Omani Minister Badr Al Busaidi for the assistance provided to our fellow citizens and for facilitating the return to Italy of Italian citizens leaving the Gulf region on flights from Muscat Airport.
While recalling that many of the countries involved are important trading partners and energy suppliers for Italy, Minister Tajani emphasized the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and maritime security, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
The same topics were the subject of a meeting between Minister Antonio Tajani and the Heads of Mission of the Arab League countries – including the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries – the Representative of the Arab League, and the Ambassadors of Azerbaijan and Turkey, held today at the Foreign Ministry.
The Ambassadors of Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen participated in the meeting.
