Minister Tajani and Secretary of State Rubio Conversation: Italy and the US United on Security and Defense

Minister Antonio Tajani had a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During the meeting, they discussed transatlantic relations, global conflicts and economic cooperation, confirming the solid bond between Italy and the United States.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, had a meeting yesterday evening long and friendly telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the first since his inauguration.

Regarding transatlantic relations, Tajani indicated that "the relationship with the United States is fundamental to 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 responsibilities in security and defence in full complementarity with NATO.

During the interview it was addressed the issue of Russian aggression against Ukraine. Italy has confirmed the pItaly's support for a just peace and commitment to effective coordination, inclusive and transparent as partners and allies. Tajani confirmed that Italy and its 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 very significant result. "Italy is ready to play an active role in the 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 ceasefire 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 essential.” commented the Minister. Tajani also stressed the need to further intensify efforts to ensure the safety of navigation in the Red Sea and the opportunity to follow developments in Yemen with the utmost attention.

Turning to issues related to the Indo-Pacific, Tajani observed that theItaly is against any unilateral attempt to change the status quo in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. It is a theme that Italy has already placed at the center of its G7 presidency for the whole of 2024 and that it will continue to raise with partners who share the same concerns.

At the bilateral level, Tajani and Rubio confirmed their traditional relationship of trust and closeness: on a commercial level, the USA represents the second market for Italian exports, with an overall trade of over 92 billion euros in 2023. In reiterating the desire to intensify relations in this area too, the Minister has indicated his desire to relaunch the presence of Italian companies in the USA, even with direct investments.