In a recent diplomatic conversation, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, reaffirming Italy’s solidarity with the Kingdom. During a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Tajani emphasized Italy’s commitment to safeguarding civilians and infrastructure in the region. He expressed gratitude towards Saudi authorities for their efforts in ensuring the safety of Italian citizens residing in Saudi Arabia.
Tajani advocated for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing Yemen crisis, urging continued support for United Nations initiatives aimed at achieving peace. The discussion between the two ministers also touched upon maritime security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, highlighting the necessity of maintaining freedom of navigation and securing commercial shipping routes across the Gulf region.
The Italian Foreign Minister underscored the significance of enhancing the European Union’s Operation Aspides, a naval defensive mission initiated in February 2024, designed to protect shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. This aligns with broader efforts to strengthen security and stability in these strategic waterways.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet issued a stern warning to the Houthis regarding the repercussions of their repeated assaults on the Kingdom. The Cabinet stressed the importance of safeguarding navigation through the Red Sea and the Bab Al-Mandab Strait and praised the international Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen for its operations against the Houthi group.
