ROME (ITALPRESS) – “I had a first, long and friendly phone conversation with Marco Rubio tonight. Relations with the US are – together with Europe – the priority of our foreign policy. Full strategic convergence on peace and reconstruction in Ukraine and Gaza. We want to work together in Africa, Latin America and the Indo-Pacific to strengthen the unity of the West.” Thus on X the Vice-Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani after the phone call with the newly appointed US Secretary of State.As the Farnesina makes known, during the phone conversation, regarding transatlantic relations, Tajani indicated that “the relationship with the United States is fundamental for Italian foreign policy, and NATO remains the pillar of Euro-Atlantic security. Italy will continue to be a decisive contributor to the Alliance’s operations and missions,” noting the need for Europe to increase its security and defense responsibilities in full complementarity with NATO.During the talks, the issue of Russian aggression against Ukraine was addressed. He confirmed Italy’s full support for a just peace and commitment to effective, inclusive and transparent coordination as partners and allies. Tajani confirmed that Italy and EU partners view with great concern the increase in hybrid warfare activities against the West with cyber attacks, sabotage, and acts of disinformation. In 2025, Italy will also host a conference for the reconstruction of the country.Regarding the situation in the Middle East, Tajani recalled his recent mission to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Ramallah, and confirmed that the government supports Israel’s right to defend itself, highlighting how the agreement between Israel and Hamas represents a major achievement. “Italy is ready to play an active role in new regional security architecture,” said the minister, who stressed the need to also include Syria, where the fall of the Assad regime represents a crucial opportunity, and Lebanon, where the cease-fire has unlocked a political process that can strengthen institutions. “Coordination between Europe and the United States on the nuclear dossier and relations with Iran is also crucial,” the minister commented. Tajani also stressed the need to further intensify efforts to ensure the safety of navigation in the Red Sea and on the advisability of following developments in Yemen with the utmost attention.Turning to issues related to the Indo-Pacific, Tajani noted that Italy is opposed to any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. This is an issue that Italy has already put at the center of its G7 chairmanship through 2024 and will continue to raise with partners who share the same concerns.At the bilateral level, Tajani and Rubio confirmed the traditional relationship of trust and closeness: in terms of trade, the U.S. is the second largest market for Italian exports, with a total interchange of more than 92 billion euros in 2023. In reiterating the willingness to intensify relations in this area as well, the minister indicated the desire to boost the presence of Italian companies in the US, including through direct investment.
– Photo Agency Photogram –
(ITALPRESS).
