Saudi Arabia, Italy reaffirm support for two-state solution, maritime security

ROME — Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reaffirmed their countries' strategic partnership and support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict during bilateral talks in Rome on Wednesday.The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution conference, where the two ministers reviewed regional developments and welcomed the outcomes of the alliance's meetings.The ministers expressed support for the implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 2803 and the comprehensive plan to end the conflict in Gaza, emphasizing the role of interfaith dialogue in achieving a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution.They reaffirmed the need to preserve the ceasefire in Gaza, ensure the territory is disarmed, guarantee the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, launch early recovery efforts and support reforms by the Palestinian Authority.The two sides also condemned the escalation of settler violence in the West Bank, stressed the urgent need to protect Palestinian civilians and reiterated their opposition to any form of annexation of the West Bank or the forced displacement of Palestinians.On regional security, the ministers stressed the importance of respecting international law, including international humanitarian law, and underscored the need to safeguard freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Gulf of Aden and international shipping lanes in accordance with the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.They acknowledged the contribution of the European Union's EUNAVFOR Aspides naval mission, particularly Italy's role, in protecting commercial shipping.On Yemen, the ministers encouraged all parties to engage constructively in a political process aimed at achieving a comprehensive and lasting settlement. They also condemned Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, including strikes targeting civilian infrastructure and vital facilities, as well as threats to maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.The ministers emphasized the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, opposed unilateral measures that could restrict maritime transit and reaffirmed their commitment to the Rome Process on Fertilizers and Food Security to strengthen supply chains and food security, particularly for vulnerable countries in Africa and the Mediterranean.They also welcomed the continued growth of Saudi-Italian relations and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation across key sectors under the strategic partnership between the two countries.The ministers reviewed preparations for the upcoming edition of the Salone del Mobile Milano exhibition in Riyadh as an example of successful bilateral cooperation in design, innovation, industrial excellence and support for young talent.They agreed to maintain close coordination and continue working together to promote regional peace, security and stability while advancing the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.