Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has denounced the recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, expressing Italy’s solidarity with the Kingdom during a call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. Tajani emphasized Italy’s commitment to safeguarding civilians and infrastructure while expressing gratitude to Saudi authorities for ensuring the safety of Italian citizens residing in the country. He advocated for a diplomatic resolution to the Yemen crisis, underscoring the importance of ongoing United Nations efforts.
During their discussion, the two ministers also addressed maritime security in strategic regions such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. They highlighted the necessity of maintaining freedom of navigation, protecting commercial shipping routes, and reinforcing security throughout the Gulf region. Tajani underscored the significance of bolstering the European Union’s Operation Aspides, a naval defensive mission established in February 2024 to secure shipping lanes in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
In a related move, Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet issued a warning to the Houthis concerning potential repercussions for their repeated attacks on the Kingdom. The Cabinet reaffirmed the imperative to safeguard navigation through crucial maritime passages like the Red Sea and the Bab Al-Mandab Strait. Additionally, it praised the international Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen for its continued operations against the Houthi group.
