Italy has denounced recent attacks by Houthi forces on Saudi Arabia, underscoring the need for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing Yemen crisis. In a telephone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reiterated Italy’s commitment to the protection of civilians and infrastructure in the region.
Tajani thanked Saudi authorities for their efforts in ensuring the safety of Italian nationals residing in the Kingdom and highlighted the importance of a peaceful solution through the support of United Nations initiatives. The discussion between the two ministers also touched on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, with both parties emphasizing the significance of maintaining freedom of navigation and safeguarding commercial shipping routes.
In light of the security concerns in the region, Tajani stressed the need to bolster the European Union’s Operation Aspides. This naval mission, initiated in February 2024, aims to protect shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet has issued a warning to the Houthis, cautioning them about the consequences of their repeated attacks. The Cabinet reaffirmed the importance of securing navigation through the Red Sea and the Bab Al-Mandab Strait, while also praising the international Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen for its ongoing operations against the Houthi group.