Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, meets the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Bin[...]

Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, met today at the Italian Foreign Ministry with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

"The strengthening of the bilateral partnership at the strategic level between Rome and Abu Dhabi, which was launched in March 2023 on the occasion of my visit to the Emirates with President Meloni, is reflected in the high frequency of institutional meetings between the two countries over the past few months, with President Bin Zayed's visit to Rome and the meetings with the representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Industry, Environment and Energy, Defence, and Justice", noted Tajani.

During the meeting, a possible further strengthening of the bilateral partnership was discussed, in view of the new sessions of the Italy-EAU Joint Economic Commission and the Strategic Dialogue.

Deputy Prime Minister Tajani then outlined to his Emirati colleague the priorities of the Italian G7 Presidency, focusing in particular on the situation in the Middle East.

"Italy and the United Arab Emirates intend to tackle the political and humanitarian crises in the region together. Rome and Abu Dhabi are at the forefront of the humanitarian response in Gaza in order to meet to the urgent needs of the civilian population," said Tajani, recalling the Food for Gaza initiative, launched jointly with FAO, WFP and the Federation of the International Red Cross. Tajani also commended his Emirati colleague for the key role played by the UAE in the humanitarian assistance operation in Cyprus, which is also supported by Italy.

Stressing the need to reach an immediate ceasefire for humanitarian purposes, Tajani reaffirmed the importance of a political approach aimed towards a two-state solution and the essential role played by the countries in the region in defining the future of Gaza.

"Together with the United Arab Emirates, Italy is monitoring developments in the Red Sea with the utmost attention. Ensuring the safety of maritime traffic is in everyone's interest. With the operational command of the Aspides mission, Italy's commitment is strong and concrete," added Tajani.

During the meeting, the follow-up of the International Conference on Development and Migration and the "Rome Process" were also discussed.