On the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Paris, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The bilateral talks underscored Italy’s firm commitment to de-escalation across key global flashpoints and reinforced the alignment between Rome and Washington on strategic crisis management, reflecting a broader context where Italy-US ties continue to demonstrate structural resilience and strategic warmth.
The big picture: Diplomatic mediation and global security. The meeting focused on active conflict zones where Italy supports American-led diplomatic initiatives to stabilize international maritime routes and foster negotiated peace settlements.
- Support for de-escalation: Tajani reiterated Italy’s active backing for de-escalation efforts in Ukraine, the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and the broader Gulf region to safeguard international commerce and regional stability.
- Negotiation framework for Ukraine: Rome expressed full support for US-backed dialogue, explicitly pointing to the talks held in Abu Dhabi between Russia and Ukraine – where Italy is represented by the Diplomatic Advisor of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Ambassador Fabrizio Saggio.
- The core objective remains creating the conditions for a peace negotiation that ensures Ukraine’s independence and security while consolidating European security as a whole.
- Focus on Venezuela: The discussion also addressed the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela, with Tajani raising the critical issue of Italian citizens still detained in the country and coordinating next steps to support Venezuela’s transition toward a complete democratic electoral process.
What they’re saying:
- “I met today with my friend Marco Rubio … I confirmed that we support every initiative of the United States that favors dialogue and a negotiated solution to conflicts,” said Tajani.
- On Gulf Region: “I reiterated Italy’s support for de-escalation in Ukraine, in the Strait of Hormuz, in Bab El Mandeb, and throughout the Gulf Region.”
- On Ukraine: “I think first of all of the talks with Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi: the objective is to create the conditions for a negotiation that strengthens Ukraine, its independence, and its security, but mutually consolidates the security of all of Europe.”
- On Venezuela: “I drew attention to our fellow citizens still detained and thanked the Secretary of State for his commitment. We are working together to strengthen stability and bring Venezuela to complete the democratic path that leads to elections.”
Why it matters: Tajani’s bilateral engagement with Rubio highlights Italy’s role as a proactive transatlantic partner capable of connecting European security priorities with US diplomatic maneuvering.
- By supporting mediation efforts in the Middle East and Ukraine while coordinating on Latin American stability, Rome reinforces its standing as a key diplomatic bridge within the G7 architecture.
(Photo: X, @antonio_tajani)
