Update from Minister Tajani with the Italian Ambassadors in the Middle East

The Vice President of the Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, chaired a new video link meeting yesterday with the Ambassadors of Italy to Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman, in addition to Consul General in Jerusalem. Objective of the meeting take stock of the political and security situation in the Middle East and of Italian action to promote peace and stability in the region.

“Italy continues to follow the evolution of the situation in the Middle East on the front line” he indicated Tajani. “Despite the efforts for a ceasefire, we observe with concern an increase in the intensity of the clashes in Gaza and along the Blue Line,” the Minister continued. The meeting allowed to review the dynamics underway at the regional level, with particular attention to the US-facilitated negotiation, the political process in Lebanon and on the security situation in countries bordering the conflict such as Jordan and Iraq.

On the Italian diplomatic action front, the Minister has remembered his mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah and noted that "the humanitarian conference promoted on the occasion of the G7 in Pescara was a major success, bringing together representatives of Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian Authority in the same event". The Minister of Foreign Affairs urged the assembled Ambassadors to continue their action of raising awareness among all regional interlocutors to help reach a cease-fire. “The next G7 of Foreign Ministers in Fiuggi and the days of the Mediterranean Dialogues at the end of November represent an important moment for this purpose”.

Tajani underlined Italy's humanitarian commitment to the region, starting with the initiative "Food for Gaza“. “Italy continues to be committed to trying to alleviate the suffering of the populations affected by the conflict. We are ready to do our part also for the future reconstruction of the Strip and Lebanon, contributing to the security and stability of Israel through the presence of our UNIFIL soldiers” indicated the Vice President.

During the meeting, particular attention was finally paid to the topic of the safety of our fellow citizens and Italian personnel engaged in various diplomatic offices and military missions in the region.