"During the meeting we affirmed the importance of the freedom of navigation principle, assessed impacts on international commerce and discussed possible options aimed to guarantee the security of sea lanes and avoid repercussions on the international economy, with dangerous dynamics for raw material prices. Italy will play its part, together with the International Community, to counter the terrorist destabilizing activities of the Houtis that we have already publicly condemned, and to protect the prosperity of trade and ensure freedom of navigation and compliance with international law", Minister Crosetto said after the videoconference with US Secretary of Defence, Lloyd Austin, which took place this morning, focusing on the naval mission in the Red Sea and the protection of merchant traffic.

"It is necessary to increase our presence in the area to create the conditions for stabilization, avoid environmental disasters and, moreover, prevent the resumption of inflation peaks", Minister Crosetto added.

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That is why, in the next few hours, Italy will send its Virginio Fasan Freamm (Multi-mission European Frigate) to the Red Sea.