Tajani: We want to work together to reduce tensions and secure freedom of navigation

Tajani, who attended the meeting of R4 (Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia) and E3 (England, Germany, France) Foreign Ministers in Istanbul, hosted by Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, made quick evaluations to the Italian press members after the meeting.

Tajani stated that, as participants in the meeting in Istanbul, they were in favor of reducing tension and said, "We want to work together to reduce tension and secure freedom of navigation." he said.

Stating that they know very well that the world economies are in a difficult situation due to the increase in natural gas and oil prices, Tajani said, "Energy is of fundamental importance for industrialized countries. Likewise, food security is also important, it is necessary to ensure the transportation of fertilizers and grain to Africa and other countries via the Black Sea." he said.

Emphasizing that they are in favor of solving problems through dialogue, Tajani said, "We definitely support the dialogue policy. I do not believe that the problem can be solved militarily. If we want to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for our economies, to navigation, we must encourage dialogue." he said.

Tajani noted that they need to explain to Iran that it cannot continue this attitude and said:

"Similarly, we support working to ensure freedom of navigation in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, where Italian troops serve as part of the European Union's (EU) ASPIDES mission in the Red Sea, and further south where the Atalanta mission is carried out. Therefore, Italy assumes a leading role in these efforts for peace."

Tajani said, "They will come together again in Berlin, Cairo and then Rome to continue working for peace by creating a common attitude between European countries and Muslim countries." he said.

"We cannot ignore the importance of establishing a Palestinian state"

Referring to the Israeli government's decision to impose a full blockade on the West Bank, Tajani said, "We do not agree with this decision." he said.

Stating that they want the Palestinian people to realize their dreams and live in peace with Israel, whose security must be guaranteed, Tajani continued his words as follows:

"However, Israel's security problem cannot be solved by targeting the Palestinian people, especially peaceful Christian villages. Hamas must be disarmed, stability in Gaza must be ensured, and terrorists must be completely disarmed and neutralized. This is an important issue. However, we cannot ignore the importance of establishing a Palestinian state. As we have always said, the West Bank and Gaza must be reunified, and then the Palestinian National Authority must be strengthened and an independent state recognized by Israel must be established."

Tajani stated that what happened to the 5 Italian women activists detained by the Israeli army in the West Bank was "unacceptable" and said, "They were not committing any crime. Of course, we condemn the violent Israeli settlers for what happened. We Italians demand the immediate release of the 5 women detained by the Israeli army. We hope that they will be sent back to Italy in the coming hours." he said.