Italy has strongly condemned recent attacks by the Houthi rebels on Saudi Arabia, highlighting the necessity for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing Yemen crisis. In a recent phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed Italy’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to safeguarding civilians and infrastructure.
Tajani expressed gratitude to Saudi authorities for ensuring the safety of Italian nationals residing in the Kingdom. He emphasized the importance of pursuing a diplomatic solution to the Yemen conflict, underscoring Italy’s support for United Nations efforts to achieve peace in the region.
The conversation between the two ministers also covered concerns regarding maritime security in the critical waterways of the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. They emphasized the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and protecting commercial shipping lanes, as well as enhancing security across the Gulf region.
Additionally, Tajani pointed out the significance of strengthening the European Union’s Operation Aspides, a naval mission initiated in February 2024 to protect shipping activities in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
On a related note, Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet issued a warning to the Houthis about the potential consequences of their continued attacks on the Kingdom. The Cabinet highlighted the need to safeguard navigation through the Red Sea and the Bab Al-Mandab Strait. Furthermore, it praised the international Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen for its ongoing operations aimed at countering the Houthi threat.