The Interview. Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Maria Tripodi, sat down with our sister company Formiche.net to discuss the government’s foreign policy across key global dossiers, from the conflict in Ukraine to the volatile situation in the Middle East. She also touched on Italy’s strategic engagement with the US and emerging approaches to critical regions like the Indo-Pacific and Africa.
- Tripodi emphasised Italy’s unwavering support for Ukraine, citing the government’s significant accomplishments, such as the Bilateral Conference on Reconstruction with Ukraine in April 2023 and its leadership at the G7 in securing a $50 billion financial aid package through a loan mechanism.
- She also revealed that Italy is gearing up to host the fourth international reconstruction conference for Ukraine in 2025.
Middle East. Addressing the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, Tripodi stated, “Since the horrific Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, we have been relentlessly working with our partners to de-escalate the conflict.”
- She expressed hope for fruitful negotiations that could soon lead to a ceasefire in Gaza, noting the broader geopolitical tensions at play.
- Additionally, she highlighted Italy’s involvement in the European mission Aspides, aimed at safeguarding maritime security against Houthi threats.
- “We understand the vital importance of Middle East stability for global equilibrium,” Tripodi remarked, underlining Italy’s push, alongside Minister Tajani, for a renewed EU political strategy on Syria—a conflict that has languished in neglect for far too long.
The Impact of the Mattei Plan. Tripodi described the Mattei Plan as a groundbreaking approach to engagement with African nations, which has quickly garnered the involvement of the EU, the United States, and several Gulf partners.
- “The Plan’s scale and impact are evident,” she said, pointing to its robust financial underpinnings.
- She specifically mentioned two funds established for joint projects with the African Development Bank and Italian initiatives like ‘Measure Africa,’ which will facilitate Italian investments on the continent.
- The government’s focus on the energy sector is central to this strategy, particularly amid ongoing efforts to diversify energy sources. She cited the biofuel pilot project in Kenya and Eni’s hydrogen project in Tunisia as key examples.
The Close Alliance with the U.S.“The United States remains our indispensable partner, a bastion of democracy and global leadership,” Tripodi affirmed.
- She praised the strong, cooperative relations that have been established with the current U.S. administration, highlighting the longstanding 75-year partnership within the NATO framework that has ensured stability and security. She also paid tribute to the thousands of young Americans who sacrificed their lives to liberate Italy from Nazi-Fascist oppression.
- Looking ahead, Tripodi stressed that the bilateral relationship can only grow stronger, regardless of who occupies the White House in the future.
China and the Indo-Pacific Region. Tripodi reflected on Prime Minister Meloni’s recent mission to China, lauding it as a success marked by the signing of an Action Plan to bolster the Global Strategic Partnership.
- However, she emphasised that this new approach better safeguards Italian interests compared to the Belt and Road Initiative.
- Turning to the Indo-Pacific, Tripodi highlighted the region’s growing importance, noting that Italy is becoming a significant player, not just through its expanding military presence but also through its strong ties with regional partners like Japan and Vietnam.
- She underscored the importance of recent developments, such as joint exercises involving the aircraft carrier Cavour, collaboration between the Italian Air Force and Japan’s Self-Defense Force, and the forthcoming visit of Italy’s flagship, the Amerigo Vespucci, to Tokyo as part of its world tour.
