Rome: Italy and the UK reaffirmed Wednesday their commitment to strengthening relations and expanding cooperation on key global challenges, during a high-level meeting, according to a statement from the Italian Foreign Ministry.
According to Anadolu Agency, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani met British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Rome where they confirmed the "excellent level of bilateral relations" and agreed to pursue "new partnership initiatives" across a range of strategic sectors.
"The friendship between our countries is solid and historic. We want to strengthen it further through concrete projects," Tajani said following the meeting. He underscored the role of the large Italian community in the UK as a "valuable bridge" between the two nations and encouraged greater economic cooperation.
Both parties expressed their intentions to boost trade and investment, especially in energy, aerospace, and agri-food sectors. Additionally, they agreed to enhance coordination on managing migration and cooperating with third countries. "We must work together to govern migratory flows in a responsible and effective manner," Tajani added.
Echoing the importance of joint action, Lammy stated: "Italy and the UK share common values and strategic interests. This visit marks a new chapter in our partnership." They also reaffirmed the centrality of the transatlantic relationship, emphasizing the goal of zero tariffs between Europe and the United States.
On defense, Tajani noted the importance of strengthening the European pillar of the Alliance within NATO. Both ministers reiterated their support for Ukraine, with Lammy emphasizing the need to back Kyiv until a just peace is achieved, placing responsibility for the deadlock in negotiations on Russia.
The ministers also voiced concern about the situation in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire and a return to the political process based on the two-state solution.
Later, Tajani and Lammy joined a roundtable discussion, "Clean Energy for Growth," with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and King Charles III. Tajani highlighted Italy-UK collaboration on climate and sustainability, noting joint efforts at COP26 in Glasgow. He emphasized Italy's potential in contributing to energy transition through areas like carbon capture, renewables, sustainable nuclear power, and future fusion energy, as well as energy storage systems.