Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani have discussed boosting Saudi-Italian relations in various fields and addressed the importance of continuing joint action and coordination on regional and international issues, supporting peaceful solutions, and ending conflicts, particularly in the Gaza Strip.
The discussions in Rome on Thursday highlighted the importance of taking all necessary measures to allow the entry of humanitarian and relief aid into the Palestinian enclave in full cooperation with international mechanisms.
The two ministers also highlighted the significance of resolving the Ukrainian crisis through peaceful means. The Italian foreign minister praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts in bringing Russian and US perspectives closer to find a solution to the crisis.
They commended the advanced economic relations between Saudi Arabia and Italy, noting that trade exceeded $12 billion in 2024. They also expressed their aspiration for further progress in economic cooperation.
In a joint statement issued by the foreign ministers following their talks, they
reiterated their call for “the immediate end of the war in Gaza and the immediate release of all hostages.”
They also condemned any unilateral or violent actions in the West Bank that undermine the two-state solution.
“We call for unfettered access for humanitarian assistance and life-saving supplies throughout the Gaza Strip, as well as the release of all withheld Palestinian clearance revenues,” said the statement.
They also reiterated their “unequivocal rejection of any displacement of Palestinians under any pretext. The principles of non-transfer and non-expulsion must be fully upheld,” the ministers said.
“We underscore that any post-war arrangements must be firmly linked to a clear, time-bound implementation of a political solution that ends the occupation and delivers a just and comprehensive peace,” they said.
“Within this framework, Italy and Saudi Arabia will explore forms of concrete cooperation to empower the Palestinian Authority, based on the two-state solution, with a view to advancing peace and security in the region and beyond,” they added.
