Minister Tajani attends the extraordinary European Council summit via videoconference

Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, today took part in an extraordinary meeting of EU Foreign Ministers via videoconference. The summit focused on ongoing developments in the Middle East, including in the wake of Iran's drone and missile attack against Israel.

In his speech, Deputy Prime Minister Tajani highlighted the Italian Government's efforts to foster dialogue and stability in the region and informed his European colleagues of the telephone call he had with Israeli Minister Katz and of the fruitful meeting with Arab and Islamic ambassadors held that morning at the Italian Foreign Ministry.

In condemning Iran's attack on Israel, Tajani reiterated the need for all parties involved to refrain from any form of retaliation and aggression, which would be detrimental not only to the security of the countries directly involved in the crisis, but also of EU member states.

He then spoke of the telephone call made on 12 April with Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs Amir Abdollahian to stress the importance of keeping channels of dialogue open to avert further hostile acts that could lead to a wider conflict. "In this extremely fragile situation, Italy is making every effort to urge all the actors in the region to exercise restraint, also in light of its responsibilities as G7 Presidency. The issue will also be addressed at the next G7 in Capri", said Tajani.

Stressing the urgent need to strengthen assistance to the civilian population in the Strip, Minister Tajani then recalled the Italian Government's and his personal commitment to the humanitarian initiative "Food for Gaza", launched together with the FAO, the World Food Programme, the Red Cross and the Red Crescent to facilitate the delivery of aid to Gaza: "an initiative much appreciated by all parties involved".