Italy: Italy is 'not at war' in the Red Sea, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated on Sunday, while urging the European Union to bolster its naval mission aimed at protecting merchant shipping in the strategically vital waterway.
According to Anadolu Agency, Tajani clarified in an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera that Italy is not involved in a conflict, following a recent incident where an Italian fighter jet was damaged during a Houthi attack on the Taif airbase in Saudi Arabia. The Houthis had claimed that they were not at war with Italy.
Tajani emphasized that the European Aspides mission was conceived as a defensive operation to safeguard merchant vessels navigating through the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb from potential Houthi threats. He affirmed Italy's commitment to the mission, highlighting its importance in light of the deteriorating security situation in the strait. With 40% of Italy's maritime trade and 60% of its exports to Asia passing through the Red Sea, Tajani underscored the strategic significance of the mission.
The foreign minister revealed that Italy has been actively encouraging other nations to contribute to the mission for several months. He plans to reiterate this call in New York at the UN General Assembly, proposing that European countries either deploy additional naval assets or help cover the mission's expenses. Tajani stressed the necessity of continuing and strengthening the Aspides mission.
Tajani is slated to address the mission at upcoming international meetings, including the EU Foreign Affairs Council, the G7 foreign ministers' meeting, and the Rome Coalition for Food Security during the UN General Assembly. The coalition, initiated by Italy and Croatia, will also discuss ensuring freedom and safety of navigation.
In addition to the naval mission, Tajani mentioned a potential meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to sign an agreement on raw materials, focusing on securing supplies of critical minerals, including rare earth elements as part of the 'Pax Silica' initiative.
Regarding the conflict in Iran, Tajani expressed Italy's stance in favor of peace and his plans to meet the Iranian foreign minister in New York, despite Italy's critical view of Tehran's nuclear program. He also supported the proposal by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to associate Canada with the EU, emphasizing Canada's strategic partnership with Europe.
Tajani's address to the UN General Assembly will cover topics such as cybersecurity, hybrid threats, and artificial intelligence.