As part of regular contacts, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Antonio Tajani, had a long and detailed telephone conversation today with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during which they reviewed the main topics of current international affairs.
Tajani and Blinken paid close attention to the latest developments in the Red Sea. “The recent attack by the Houthis on the Greek tanker Sounion is a cause of great concern due to the concrete risks of an environmental disaster, once again confirming the need to further intensify efforts to ensure the safety of navigation in the Red Sea. I reiterated to Secretary of State Blinken — who expressed strong appreciation for Italy’s leadership and cooperation with Washington — our constant commitment with the ASPIDES mission, which we will consider strengthening,” Tajani stated.
Recalling Italy’s full support for U.S.-led mediation efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and to limit the risk of regional escalation of the conflict, the Deputy Prime Minister added that “coordination with Washington is essential to develop a strategy that reduces tensions and stops the dramatic spiral of violence in the region.” In this regard, he also referred to his phone call last week with the new Iranian Foreign Minister and calls for restraint, which were greatly appreciated by Blinken.
Recalling the upcoming Foreign Ministers’ G7 meeting in New York on September 23rd, during the opening of the United Nations General Assembly, and the subsequent G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Fiuggi at the end of November, Tajani thanked Secretary of State Blinken for Washington’s spirit of full cooperation on the priorities of Italy’s G7 presidency.
During the conversation, the issue of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine was also addressed. While updating the Secretary of State on his recent meetings in Switzerland, Tajani reiterated the Italian Government’s full support for Kyiv toward the goal of a just and lasting peace.
On China, Tajani and Blinken exchanged information and assessments on the recent missions of Prime Minister Meloni and National Security Advisor Sullivan, agreeing on the need to continue dialogue with Beijing. A similar convergence of views was expressed on Libya, where joint initiatives might be considered, also in support of the crucial role of the Central Bank, and on the need to ensure freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific. In this regard, Tajani reminded Blinken of the presence of the Italian aircraft carrier Cavour and the Italian ship Vespucci in Tokyo these days.
