Italian Deputy Prime Minister: Saudi Arabia Is an Indispensable Partner in Regional Stability

Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani underscored the vital importance of Saudi Arabia as a partner for regional stability and dialogue. He described the relationship between Riyadh and Rome as a cornerstone of Italy's regional engagement. In an interview, Tajani stated that Saudi Arabia has become indispensable for fostering dialogue, ensuring stability, and promoting sustainable growth. He also noted ongoing coordination between the two nations to address profound regional uncertainty.

“

Saudi Arabia has become an indispensable partner in promoting dialogue, regional stability and sustainable growth.

Tajani reaffirmed a shared commitment with Saudi Arabia to safeguarding freedom of navigation. This includes critical maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden. He characterized the Gulf region as a key political, economic, and security partner for Italy. The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted a joint political declaration with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, which reaffirmed their growing strategic partnership and commitment to making the Wider Mediterranean an area of peace and prosperity.

“

We have reaffirmed from Rome our shared commitment with Saudi Arabia to safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb, the Gulf of Aden and all international maritime routes.

The Italian official emphasized that the partnership between Italy and Saudi Arabia is more critical than ever, given the current regional instability. He explained that both countries share a strategic vision centered on dialogue, stability, and responsible leadership. Tajani noted that Italy's perspective on the regional situation extends beyond traditional boundaries, encompassing the Gulf and beyond. He added that Italy leverages its ability to engage with all principal actors in regional crises, keeping diplomatic channels open to contribute to de-escalation efforts.

“

The partnership between Italy and Saudi Arabia has never been more important than it is today.

Tajani also reiterated a firm condemnation of extremist settler violence and rejected any form of annexation, as stated in the joint declaration. This reflects a shared stance on key regional issues, aiming to contain challenges arising from international conflicts and promote a more stable environment.

“

We therefore regard the Gulf as a crucial political, economic and security partner, and we consider our relationship with the Kingdom to be one of the pillars of Italy's engagement in the region.