“Italy is following with great attention and equal concern the current situation in the Middle East, a crisis which could cause serious repercussions on the stability of the region with the risk of an escalation in the Mediterranean. For this reason, the Defense and the Italian Government are on the field in an attempt to promote dialogue and peace. From this perspective, Saudi Arabia plays a strategic role in the stabilization process of the entire area".
Thus Minister Guido Crosetto at the end of his visit to Saudi Arabia where he met his Defense counterpart, Prince Khalid Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz.
The two defense officials discussed highly topical topics, highlighting their shared commitment to strengthening dialogue and collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Italy. Focus also on the stability and security of the Wider Mediterranean.
“The stabilization of the Sahel area and the wider Mediterranean represents a priority for security and Italy, through a highly inclusive and representative political dialogue, will continue to work to avoid further deterioration of the current situation, especially in the Middle East, so that a 'line of no return' is crossed" stated Minister Crosetto. Who then added on the Sahel:
“The dynamics of the area are reflected on the European continent. The delicate situation is aggravated by demographic dynamics and the weakness of institutions, as well as by the predatory posture of some international actors. For this reason, the Italian Government is promoting a renewed 'Mattei Plan' which allows the countries of the region to exploit the natural riches they have at their disposal in order to increase the well-being of their population and strengthen their economies".
Minister Crosetto also made himself available to explore new areas of collaboration to increase the interoperability of the Armed Forces of the two countries for the benefit of the security and stability of the Mediterranean area and the Arabian Gulf. Currently, there are already several Saudi officers carrying out training periods in Italy, at the Military Academies, the Air Force flight schools or at the Center for Advanced Defense Studies.
The meeting was also an opportunity to deepen the dialogue between the two countries and thank the staff of the Italian Embassy for their commitment to strengthening the relations of friendship and cooperation between Italy and Saudi Arabia.
Following this, Minister Crosetto will visit Qatar for further institutional meetings.
