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A joint declaration issued by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the bilateral meeting between Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Antonio Tajani on the sidelines of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution conference welcomed the outcomes of those sessions. The ministers reviewed regional developments while underscoring the strength of the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and Italy that has expanded across multiple sectors in recent years. Their statement placed particular emphasis on coordinated diplomatic action to advance peace and stability throughout the Middle East.
The declaration reaffirmed the ministers’ backing for implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and a comprehensive plan aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza. Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Tajani highlighted the potential role of interfaith dialogue in securing a just and lasting peace predicated on the two-state solution. They stressed the necessity of maintaining the ceasefire in Gaza while pursuing demilitarization of the territory and unhindered humanitarian aid delivery.
According to the joint statement, the ministers called for early recovery efforts in Gaza coupled with support for ongoing reforms by the Palestinian Authority. The declaration condemned the escalation of settler violence in the West Bank and underlined the urgent requirement to protect Palestinian civilians from harm. It reiterated firm opposition to any form of annexation of the West Bank or the forced displacement of its population.
The ministers emphasized respect for international law including international humanitarian law in their declaration and called for safeguarding freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, Gulf of Aden and international shipping lanes under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. They acknowledged the contribution of the European Union naval operation EUNAVFOR Aspides with Italy playing a prominent role in protecting commercial shipping from threats. This position aligns with broader international efforts to counter disruptions in vital maritime corridors that have intensified since late 2023.
On the situation in Yemen the declaration encouraged all parties to participate constructively in a political process leading to a comprehensive and lasting settlement. The ministers condemned Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia including strikes on civilian infrastructure and vital facilities as well as threats to maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait. They additionally reaffirmed the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz while opposing unilateral measures that could impede maritime transit.
The joint declaration expressed commitment to the Rome Coalition on Fertilizer Access and Food Security to bolster supply chains and support vulnerable countries particularly in Africa and the Mediterranean region. The ministers welcomed the continued expansion of Saudi-Italian relations and cited preparations for the Salone del Mobile Milano exhibition in Riyadh as an illustration of successful collaboration in design innovation and support for young talent. They agreed to sustain close coordination in promoting regional peace security and advancement of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.
