RIMINI (ITALPRESS/MNA) – “Italy’s strategy to support the stabilization of Syria and the preservation of its territorial unity has not changed. This is crucial for the entire Middle East, but it is clear that it will take time. We believe in an open-door policy, but we also keep our eyes open: human rights and certain rules must be respected, while we must also give trust to the new Syrian administration”. These were the words of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani at the 46th edition of the Rimini Meeting.
“We will be sending more aid and carrying out further missions in Syria. We have strengthened the staff at our embassy in Damascus and are working closely with the Apostolic Nuncio. Italy, even during the earthquake, was among the countries that helped the Syrian people the most-always in a selfless way, without asking for anything in return,” Tajani underlined. “We want to be a point of reference for Syria, and even within the G7 framework, we want to deliver a positive message towards Syria, in the hope that the fight against extremists can be won.”
“The issue of Christians is not only a Syrian matter, but one concerning the entire Middle East,” the Deputy Prime Minister continued. “Why defend Christians? Not because we are Christians ourselves, nor because we consider them more important than others-we are all equal before God. They must be defended because they represent an element of stability and peace across the Middle East, and erasing their presence would mean doing harm to peace itself”.
Responding on the sidelines of the Meeting to questions about Ukraine, Tajani clarified: “I never said we were close to an agreement. I never thought or believed an agreement could come within a few days, because we know Putin and his interests. We continue to send clear messages, and today’s meeting was very clear as well. We will do everything possible to encourage a direct dialogue between Zelensky and Putin. We stand for a just peace that guarantees Ukrainès independence”.
“The G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting concluded just a short while ago. Today marks Ukrainès Independence Day, and this gathering also carried symbolic weight: we wanted to send a strong, united message in support of Ukrainès independence,” the minister explained. “The key issue remains Ukrainès security guarantees after a possible peace agreement. Progress is also being made on the Italian proposal inspired by NATO’s Article 5 model”.
– Photo: Rimini Meeting 2025 –
(ITALPRESS).
