Meeting of the Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, with the Secretary for Relations with States to the[...]

In the framework of the periodic bilateral consultations between Italy and the Holy See, the Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, met today in Vatican City with the Secretary for Relations with States to the Holy See, Msgr. Paul Richard Gallagher.

During the meeting, the situation in the Middle East was the focus of discussion. In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister reiterated Italy's clear condemnation of the brutal terrorist attack by Hamas, which does not represent the Palestinian people and their legitimate aspirations. He also emphasised the commitment with which, since the beginning of the crisis in the Gaza Strip, Italy has mobilised itself to provide humanitarian support to the civilian population and to recreate a political horizon for a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, relaunching the two-state solution. Emphasis was placed on the absolute priority that the protection of Palestinian civilians by the Israeli authorities in the conduct of military operations in the Strip represents for Italy. The Minister also confirmed the urgency of resuming a political and diplomatic path of peace without uncertainty.

Tajani and Gallagher then dwelt on the conflict in Ukraine. In this regard, Italy reiterated its full support for Kyiv and its clear condemnation of the Russian bombing. Tajani stressed that the goal remains that of a just, comprehensive, lasting peace that preserves Ukraine's dignity and freedom. On the Italian side, great appreciation was expressed for the efforts of the Holy See and the Holy Father to try to encourage the start of negotiations between the parties.

The bilateral consultations also made it possible to agree on even closer cooperation between Italy and the Holy See in Africa for the consolidation of peace, stability and growth on the continent. In confirming that the relationship with Africa is one of the priorities of Italy's foreign policy, the Deputy Prime Minister illustrated the approach based on the creation of an articulate and equal partnership with African countries, in order to jointly address the challenges of security, development, and growth on the continent. This is also with the aim of relaunching dialogue with the countries of origin and transit of irregular migratory flows. It was recalled that Africa will play a central role in the priorities of the Italian G7 Presidency in 2024.

The Deputy Prime Minister and the Secretary for Relations with States discussed the common commitment in favour of religious minorities. On this point, it was recalled how Italy is particularly active in supporting freedom of religion and Christian communities living in unstable contexts.

The topic of Artificial Intelligence was also evoked, on which Tajani expressed his appreciation for the Holy Father's recent message, pointing out that it is an issue that deserves to be carefully studied in depth, also with regard to its ethical dimension.

Finally, today's talks took stock of the preparations for the 2025 Jubilee. It was reaffirmed that the Italian government will provide the Holy See with all the necessary assistance, including the issuance of visas to religious and pilgrims. Yesterday's signing of an agreement between the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Dicastery for Evangelisation confirms the intense bilateral cooperation between Italy and the Holy See, as well as the capacity for synergy in the organisation of major events.