Ankara: Italy and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday called for the preservation of the Gaza ceasefire, the provision of unrestricted humanitarian aid, and the rejection of any form of annexation of the occupied West Bank. This appeal followed talks between their foreign ministers in Rome.

According to Anadolu Agency, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, met during a gathering of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. During this meeting, they reviewed regional developments and reaffirmed their countries' strategic partnership.

The ministers welcomed the progress made during the alliance's meetings and reiterated their support for implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, as stated in a joint declaration.

They emphasized the importance of maintaining the ceasefire, demilitarizing the territory, ensuring the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance, and supporting reform efforts by the Palestinian Authority.

The ministers also condemned the escalating settler violence in the West Bank and reiterated their opposition to "any form of annexation, whether partial, total or de facto," as well as the forced displacement of Palestinians.

On regional security, both sides highlighted the significance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Gulf of Aden, and other international sea lanes, in line with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

They acknowledged the role of the EU naval mission EUNAVFOR Aspides, particularly Italy's contribution, in protecting commercial shipping.

Regarding Yemen, the ministers urged all parties to engage in a political process toward a comprehensive settlement, condemned Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, and reaffirmed support for humanitarian and development assistance to the Yemeni people.

The declaration also underscored the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, opposed unilateral measures that could restrict maritime transit, and reaffirmed support for the Rome Coalition on Fertilizer Access and Food Security in Hormuz.

The ministers agreed to maintain close coordination to support regional peace, stability, and the advancement of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.