(Adnkronos) – Italy has a strong economic interest in the stability of the Middle East region, where 40% of its exports transit through the Red Sea, foreign minister Antonio Tajani told an event in Rome on Thursday.
“Exports make up a total 40% of Italy’s gross domestic product (GDP) and 40% of our exports pass through the Red Sea,” Tajani told a panel discussion on the future of Europe.
After Islamist Palestinian group Hamas’ deadly 7 October 2023 cross-border, prompting Israel’s devastating war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Yemen-based Houthi rebels have attacked hundreds of vessels in the Red Sea, disrupting shipping in one of the world’s key commercial waterways.
The Houthis, who are aligned with Iran and support Hamas and the Palestinians, claim the ships they have targeted were connected to Israel, the United Kingdom or the United States.
“We had to invest, sending military missions protect those merchant ships. So we have every interest in reaching peace as soon as possible,” said Tajani.
“I can’t say I’m optimistic, but I can say I’m determined. However, neither Italy nor Europe can achieve anything alone,” Tajani went on.
“We need to convince the parties that it’s time for a ceasefire leading to peace”, Tajani concluded.
