Minister Crosetto visits Saudi Arabia

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“Italy is following with great attention and as much concern the current situation in the Middle East, a crisis which could heave heavy repercussions on regional stability, with the risk of an escalation across the Mediterranean. This is why the Italian Defence and Government are working to promote dialogue and peace. To this effect, Saudi Arabia plays a strategic role in the stabilization process of the whole area.”, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said at the end of his visit in Saudi Arabia, where he met with his colleague, Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz.

The two Defence Ministers discussed various current themes, underscoring the common commitment to strengthen dialogue and cooperation between Italy and Saudi Arabia. Talks also focused on stability and security in the Enlarged Mediterranean.

“Stabilization in the Sahel and Enlarged Mediterranean is a security priority, and Italy will continue to work by promoting an inclusive dialogue between all the parties, to prevent the current situation from further deteriorating, especially in the Middle East, and avoid reaching a point of no return,” Minister Crosetto said. On the Sahel, he added: “Dynamics in the area reverberate on the European continent. The sensitive situation is worsened by demographic dynamics and institutional weakness, as well as the predatory attitude of some international actors. This is why the Italian Government is promoting a renewed Piano Mattei, that will allow countries in the region to exploit their natural resources to increase the prosperity of their peoples and strengthen their economies.”

Minister Crosetto also declared to be available to explore new sectors of cooperation to increase interoperability between the Armed Forces of the two countries, to the benefit of security and stability in the Mediterranean area and Gulf of Arabia. Currently a number of Saudi officers attend courses at Italian Military Academies, Air Force Flight Schools and the Center for Defence Higher Studies.

The meeting was also an opportunity to deepen dialogue between the two countries and thank the personnel of the Italian Embassy for their commitment in strengthening friendly relations between Italy and Saudi Arabia.

The Minister will then visit Qatar to hold institutional meetings in that country